Dr. Olson is a physician scientist with clinical training in pediatrics and pediatric endocrinology. He leads a research laboratory focused on dissecting the neural mechanisms of energy balance control and metabolism. He is Co-director of the T32 training grant in Pediatric Endocrinology and is the Director of the Michigan Diabetes Research Center's Molecular Genetics Core. Dr. Olson also serves as the Associate Chair for Research in Pediatrics.

The Olson lab is committed to determining the mechanisms by which the brain regulates feeding, energy expenditure, body weight and glucose metabolism. Our research uses advanced molecular genetic techniques to manipulate discrete subsets of neurons in the hypothalamus and hindbrain. Using rodent models, we aim to determine the role that specific neurons play in energy homeostasis, feeding behavior and peripheral glucose handling.