Cora Olson

Cora Olson is a Collegiate Assistant Professor in the Department of Science, Technology, and Society at Virginia Tech. Holding a PhD and M.S. in Science and Technology Studies from Virginia Tech, she focuses on the interplay between biomedical knowledge construction, ethics, and critical pedagogical practices in STS education.

• Education: PhD (2014), M.S. (2007), B.S. (Chemistry)

Her research explores:

• Biomedical Ethics: Transitioning from pandemic-related studies to sports ethics, interrogating moral frameworks in science.
• Critical STS Pedagogy: Developing inclusive teaching methods and curricula, including the Medical Dilemmas and Human Experiences course.

Recent publications emphasize collaborative learning, low-tech pedagogy, and ethical tensions in STS. She has served on curriculum committees and conducted anti-racist teaching workshops, aligning her work with social justice initiatives.