Nora Olsen

Nora Olsen is a Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Idaho's College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Based at the Kimberly Research and Extension Center, her research focuses on potato storage physiology, disease management, and quality optimization. She holds a Ph.D. and M.S. from Washington State University.

Olsen's research program investigates sprout suppression techniques, storage environment optimization, and postharvest pathology. She develops management strategies for tuber diseases like Fusarium dry rot and Pythium leak, and evaluates varietal responses to storage conditions. Her extension work translates research findings into practical guidelines for potato producers across Idaho.

She has received numerous honors including Spudman Magazine's Spudwoman of the Year (2021) and the Potato Association of America's Outstanding Extension Project Award (2013). Her publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to postharvest science, with recent work focusing on bruise prediction, respiration dynamics, and biological control methods.