Research interests include gerontology education in social work and social work occupational choice. Publications have appeared in the Journal of Progressive Human Services, Contemporary Rural Social Work, Journal of Evidence-Based Practice, Journal of Gerontological Social Work, Journal of Teaching in Social Work, and College Student Journal. Teaching interests include Human Behavior in the Social Environment, micro and mezzo practice skills, research methods, and health and aging services. Dr. Olson also has 16 years social work practice experience in health care and public child welfare.