Brady Olson

Brady Olson is an Associate Professor in the Biology Department at Western Washington University, affiliated with the College of Science and Engineering. He specializes in marine science and biological oceanography, with a focus on plankton ecology, harmful algal blooms, and the impacts of climate change on marine organisms. His research addresses how environmental stressors like ocean acidification and warming affect marine food webs and larval development.

Education:

• Associate in Arts from Walla Walla Community College (1992)
• Master’s in Biological Oceanography from WWU under Dr. Suzanne Strom (2000s)
• Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography from University of Washington under Dr. Evelyn Lessard (2006)
• Postdoctoral research at University of South Florida (2006-2009)

Research interests include understanding the physiological responses of marine organisms to environmental changes, particularly through studies on microzooplankton grazing dynamics, algal toxin effects, and the ecological consequences of climate-related stressors. His work emphasizes the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems and the importance of empirical field studies combined with controlled laboratory experiments.

He has contributed to collaborative research projects on harmful algal blooms and ocean acidification impacts, publishing extensively on topics such as diatom-derived chemical defenses, copepod development under OA, and krill larval physiology. His articles highlight methodological innovations like passive gas exchange systems for pCO2 manipulation.

Brady Olson’s professional journey includes roles as a public educator and marine scientist at Shannon Point Marine Center. He actively engages in teaching and mentoring, advocating for students from diverse backgrounds. Beyond academia, he values family time exploring the Salish Sea and foraging wild foods.