Dr. Katie Olson Joins ABS Team as Research Scientist

Dr. Katie Olson recently joined the ABS Global team as research scientist.

“Katie’s exceptional experience with genetic and genomic evaluations and her background in the dairy and beef industries will make her an asset to the ABS research team,” stated Dr. Marj Faust, senior research director. “We look forward to having Katie work with ABS customers, independent representatives, and employees around the world.”

Olson grew up on a 280-cow mixed breed dairy in Spring Valley, Minnesota. After earning a Master of Science from Colorado State and a doctorate in breeding and genetics from Virginia Tech, she worked at USDA’s Animal Improvement Program Laboratory (AIPL) as a post doctoral research associate for Virginia Tech and most recently for the National Association of Animal Breeders. While working out of USDA-AIPL, Dr. Olson’s main duties included assisting with monthly dairy genomic evaluations and conducting research on genomic evaluations in dairy cattle. Katie is a 2002 graduate in agricultural education and extension from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and served as intern agriscience teacher at Pulaski High School in Pulaski, Wis.

As research scientist, Olson will be a key member of the ABS research team, developing products and tools to service ABS customers, including working with ABS Real World Data™. Olson’s role will also bring her in contact with ABS’ field trial network, InFocus data and products, and ABS customers.