معرفی
Sara K. Olson is an Associate Professor of Biology in the Department of Biology at Pomona College, part of The Claremont Colleges. She has been at Pomona since 2012 and is based in Seaver Biology, where she leads a research lab focused on extracellular matrix dynamics during fertilization and early embryonic development in C. elegans.
Her research explores the assembly and function of the nematode eggshell, using fluorescence microscopy, molecular genetics (including CRISPR), and biochemical approaches. A major goal is to identify evolutionarily conserved versus divergent mechanisms of eggshell formation, with implications for understanding basic developmental biology and targeting parasitic nematodes.
Olson's scientific work has been supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Research Corporation, and the Beckman Foundation. She has led or co-led several major grants, including an NSF CAREER Award and the Beckman Scholars Program. She is also deeply committed to inclusive pedagogy and undergraduate research, frequently involving students in authentic research experiences (CURE-based labs) and co-authoring publications with them.
Her recent publications highlight a consistent focus on eggshell permeability, cortical granule exocytosis, proteoglycans, and glycan biology in C. elegans, with increasing integration of CRISPR and educational applications. The research demonstrates a strong interdisciplinary approach combining cell biology, biochemistry, and genetics.
- Wig Award for Teaching Excellence
- 7C Faculty Diversity Award for Teaching
- National Academies Education Fellow
- NIH IRACDA Postdoctoral Training Award
- Phi Beta Kappa
She advises numerous undergraduate researchers and has mentored multiple students who have co-authored her publications. Her lab operates at the intersection of basic science and science education, promoting accessibility and diversity in STEM. She is also active in national efforts to bring CRISPR technology into undergraduate classrooms through networked teaching initiatives.
