T. Mark Olsen

Mark Olsen is an Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame, College of Science. He has been a faculty member since 1994 and is deeply committed to undergraduate education and research engagement. His roles include Coordinator of the Majors/Honors Biology Laboratory Program and Academic Co-Director of the Notre Dame Summer Scholars Program in Life Sciences.

His educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame (1994)
• M.S. in Ecology, University of Notre Dame (1989)
• A.B. in Biology, Summa cum Laude, St. Michael’s College (1981)

Mark Olsen's research and teaching focus on biology education, with strong emphasis on ecology, environmental biology, entomology, and anatomy and physiology. He champions active learning through place-based education, collaborative research teams, and experiential laboratory and fieldwork. A key aspect of his pedagogy is integrating authentic research into undergraduate curricula via the Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) model, particularly in partnership with Dr. Jason McLachlan’s lab on salt marsh plant responses to environmental change.

His work promotes early undergraduate research participation, STEM retention, and student integration into the scientific community. He coordinates the annual Internship Information Workshop and has contributed to NSF-funded STEP and RET grants aimed at enhancing STEM education.

His scientific and educational contributions have been recognized with prestigious awards:

• Edmund Joyce, CSC Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching (2018)
• Kaneb Center Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award (2001)

He is actively involved in professional service, including as a question writer for the National Science Bowl, mentor for the Sustainability Minor Capstone, advisor for the Fly Fishing Club, and member of the TPAC Teaching Faculty Executive Committee. He also supports outreach to K–12 educators as a resource teacher in Place-Based Education and has reviewed for the NASA Climate Change Educational Initiative.

Mark Olsen advises and mentors numerous undergraduates through research internships, Summer Scholars, and laboratory courses. He has played a key role in NSF grants focused on student success and has led initiatives that connect classroom learning with real-world scientific inquiry. His leadership extends to program development and academic advising, fostering a supportive environment for first-year science majors.

He is associated with several academic and outreach initiatives, including the Notre Dame Summer Scholars Program, the CURE research integration project, and the College of Science Internship Information Workshop. These programs form a cohesive ecosystem aimed at enhancing student engagement, research experience, and long-term success in STEM fields.