About

Sara Olson

I am a geoscientist, paleontologist, geographer, science educator, tech nerd, explorer, and photographer. 

After a long graphic design and marketing career, I returned to school at a local community college to work on a business management degree. The science reeled me in the first week of my introductory geology class. It only took a couple of weeks before I decided to pursue an education in geology and fulfill a lifelong dream of learning more about science and the natural world. 

I was a non-traditional student because I returned to college after a decade-plus successful graphic design and marketing career. I spent years working during the day as a graphic designer and in the evening as a chemistry, physics, and math student to fulfill the demanding prerequisites of a geology degree.

I was an environmental consulting subcontractor with Stantec for a fiber optics project in Northern California.
I macro-photographed images of polished minerals, rocks, and microfossils for high-resolution images for CSULB.
During the summer, I was a jurisdictional water delineation surveyor on an LA DWP project for powerline expansion in the California and Nevada Mojave Desert.
Taking a lunch break to enjoy the view on my hike down San Jacinto mountain.

In the final year of completing my geology Associate in Science at Santiago Canyon College, I enrolled in only physics and calculus courses to complete prerequisites. Longing to have a connection to geology while waiting to transfer to a university, I enrolled in the UCLA Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Technology certificate program. I have always loved maps, so I knew GIS would be fun. The GIS technology and cartography skills came naturally to me due to my years of experience designing layouts and graphic design. 

I transferred to Cal State Long Beach, where I earned my bachelor's in geology. My CSULB paleontology professor hand-picked me to work for the department during my undergrad. Immediately after my four-week undergrad summer field camp, I started grad school with the world-renowned paleontologist Dr. Prothero as my advisor! 

Me during research in the Los Angeles Natural History Museum vertebrate collection.
Lego Natural History Museum
Sign at the top of Mt. Baldy on a hike
One of my most prideful moments is receiving my associate degree at the Santiago Canyon College graduation ceremony.

I taught geology lab courses to non-science majors for two and a half years. As a non-traditional student who originated from a non-science background, I absolutely loved working with the students. My unique perspective and proclivity to focus on visuals for science communication helped my students to learn, and I grew as an educator. My previous graphic design skills complement my education and geoscience career.

I am currently a master's candidate and wrapping up my thesis for defense to finish my master's of science in geology. 

Cat tax!