Darren Olson

Dr. Darren Olson is an Associate Professor at Central Washington University (CWU), specializing in Technology Management and Industrial Engineering. He holds a Ph.D. from Indiana State University and has over 20 years of teaching experience alongside industry roles in automotive and aerospace quality engineering. His primary roles include department chair at Bemidji State University and program accreditation evaluator for ATMAE.

Education: B.S. Mechanical Engineering (Brigham Young University), M.Ed. Career and Technology Education (Bowling Green State University), Ph.D. Technology Management with Quality Systems specialization (Indiana State University).

Research focuses on teaching methodologies in engineering technology, risk assessment in engineering problem-solving, and innovation education. He has presented over 30 papers at conferences like ATMAE and ASEE, emphasizing educational tools (e.g., statistical process control devices), project-based learning, and interdisciplinary lab modules. His work bridges industrial quality practices with academic curriculum design.

Advises numerous graduate projects across engineering technology domains, including renewable energy systems, quality management frameworks, and product design. Active in professional organizations like ATMAE and ASQ.

Labs/Teams: Engaged in developing energy measurement systems (e.g., radiometer installation) and educational infrastructure for interdisciplinary collaboration. Leads initiatives in international education programs and continuous improvement strategies for technical curricula.