Stephanie Olson

Dr. Stephanie Olson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences at Purdue University. Her research focuses on the co-evolution of life and environment on Earth, with applications to exoplanet habitability and life detection strategies. She holds a Ph.D. in Geochemistry from the University of California, Riverside (2018), an M.S. in Geosciences from Pennsylvania State University (2013), and dual B.S. degrees in Geology and Geophysics from the University of Minnesota (2011).

Her research interests include Earth's oxygenation history, planetary habitability criteria, and computational modeling of exoplanetary environments. Key contributions include studies on methane cycling in Earth System Models, ocean dynamics on exoplanets like Proxima Centauri b, and the robustness of Gaian feedback mechanisms under climate perturbations. Dr. Olson has pioneered methods to identify biosignatures in exoplanet atmospheres through seasonal atmospheric variations.

Her work has been recognized through awards such as the T.C. Chamberlin Postdoctoral Fellowship (University of Chicago, 2018-20) and the Chancellor's Distinguished Fellowship (UC system, 2013). She collaborates extensively with institutions like the NASA Astrobiology Institute and maintains active involvement in the Geology & Geophysics and Planetary Sciences communities.

Recent publications (2020-2025) highlight advancements in exoplanet oceanography, Earth's mid-Proterozoic climate, and interdisciplinary approaches combining geobiology with astrobiology. Her research bridges geochemical analysis, computational modeling, and observational astronomy to address fundamental questions about life's potential beyond Earth.