T. Mark Olsen Associate Teaching Professor

Academic Interests:

Science is by its very nature forever dynamic; new discoveries are constantly being made and previous conclusions modified in the wake of these findings. Therefore, I challenge my students to think critically, formulate and test hypotheses and engage fully as individuals and collaborative research teams in problem solving, discovery and critical analysis. Pedagogy such as placed-based education and investigative team research encourages active, reflective and collaborative learning for my science majors and non-majors.

Because many of my students are First Year Science Major Intents, I strive to develop the skillsets, mindset and connections with upper class science students to foster my students’ integration into Notre Dame’s scientific community. I ardently campaign for early participation in the watershed opportunity of genuine undergraduate research. To this end, I coordinate an annual internship information event during which undergraduate research interns share their personal motivations, internship experiences and advice on types of internships available, search and application logistics.

Most recently, I have engaged hundreds of my students in an authentic undergraduate research experience using a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) model in partnership with the research laboratory of Dr Jason McLachlan.  Students conduct a multifaceted, semester-long research project to investigate the dynamic evolutionary responses of a foundational Atlantic salt marsh species, the sedge Schoenoplectus americanus, to environmental change.  Our students’ research findings contribute directly to departmental research efforts.  

Biography:

• Edmund Joyce, CSC Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching 2018
• Concurrent Associate Professional Specialist, First Year of Studies, 2015-2018
• Kaneb Center for Teaching and Learning Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award 2001
• Associate Teaching Professor 2000-Present
• Academic Co-Director, Summer Scholars Program, Life Science 2000-Present
• Assistant Teaching Professor 1994-2000
• Ph.D. Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame 1994
• M.S. Ecology, University of Notre Dame 1989
• Interpretive Naturalist, New York Department of Environmental Conservation 1984-1986
• A.B. Biology, Summa cum Laude, St. Michael’s College 1981
• Research Intern, DOE Argonne National Laboratory 1980

Selected Professional Activities:

• National Science Foundation STEP Grant Recipient
• Hoosier Environmental Council Place-Based Educator
• National Science Bowl Writer/Reviewer
• NASA Climate Change Educational Initiative Grant Reviewer
• Notre Dame Fly Fishing and Angling Club Advisor
• Notre Dame Multicultural Programs Mentor
• Sustainability Minor Capstone Mentor
• Undergraduate Research Internship Information Night Founder and Coordinator
• TPAC Teaching Faculty Executive Committee Member