Darlene Olsen

Darlene Olsen serves as Charles A. Dana Professor of Mathematics at Norwich University within the College of Arts & Sciences Department of Mathematics, concurrently coordinating the Vermont Biomedical Research Network (VBRN) for the institution.

Her academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Mathematics from University at Albany, SUNY; M.S. in Biometry and Statistics; M.A. in Mathematics from the same institution; and B.A. in Mathematics from SUNY Geneseo.

Dr. Olsen's research centers on biostatistics and pedagogy in mathematics/statistics, with interdisciplinary applications spanning engineering education curriculum development, clinical competency simulation in nursing, and environmental toxicology studies. Her work demonstrates consistent translation of theoretical frameworks into practical educational and biomedical contexts.

Publication trends reveal strong cross-disciplinary collaboration across STEM and healthcare fields, with recent works addressing undergraduate engineering retention, nursing simulation efficacy, and molecular stress responses—highlighting methodological versatility in both quantitative and applied research.

Her scientific recognition includes prestigious teaching and research honors.

• Homer L. Dodge Award for Excellence in Teaching (2013)

Dr. Olsen has secured substantial external funding through NIH's Vermont Biomedical Research Network and a $2,000,000 NSF S-STEM award focused on eliminating financial barriers for STEM undergraduates. These grants support institutional capacity building and workforce development initiatives.

As VBRN coordinator, she leads Norwich's integration into statewide biomedical research infrastructure, facilitating resource sharing and collaborative projects across Vermont academic and clinical institutions.