Paul E. Olson

Colorado State University
Department of Chemical and Bioresource Engineering
and
Department of Biology
E414 A/Z Building
Fort Collins, Colorado 80523
E-mail: peolson@lamar.colostate.edu

 

Education:

2000                    University of Oklahoma   Ph.D. Botany
1993                    University of Central Oklahoma  M.S. Biology
1989                    University of Central Oklahoma   B.S. Biology

 

Research Objectives:

Rhizosphere biology, phytoremediation of organic and metal pollutants, bioremediation, restoration biology and ecological recovery, and ecological risk assessment.

 

Professional Experience:

Jan. 2000-Present Post-Doctoral Researcher:  Colorado State University
·     Phytoremediation of organic and metal-contaminated soils
·     Extended plant screenings on contaminated soils
·     Influence of root-released compounds on enhanced phytoremediation
·     Plant-microbe interactions
·     Microbial ecology of contaminated soils
·     Molecular biological approaches to phytoremediation
·     Contaminant bioavailability
·     Engineered rhizodegradation 

1996-2000  Research Assistant:  University of Oklahoma
·     Role of vegetation in bioremediation of a former sludge lagoon
·     Phytotoxicity of PAH-contaminated soils
·     Phytoremediation implementation at industrial sludge lagoon
·     Development of tree growth model based on allometry measurements of trees growing in PAH-contaminated soil
·     Ecological recovery and restoration of PAH-contaminated soils

1995-1996  Teaching Assistant:  University of Oklahoma
·     Instructor of General Botany Lab

1994   Research Associate:  USDA Grazinglands Research Station El Reno, OK
·     Nitrogen metabolism in wheat

1992-1993   Research Assistant:  University of Central Oklahoma
·     Secondary metabolism in sweet basil (Thesis project)
·     Wheat - legume cropping system in Oklahoma (USDA project)
·     Electrophoretic analysis and enzymology of MDH-deficient soybean

1992-1993  Teaching Assistant:  University of Central Oklahoma
·     Instructor of General Botany
·     Instructor of Plant Physiology Lab

 

Honors:

1998  George Lynn Cross Scholar
1998  University of Oklahoma Graduate Student Research Poster Competition (1st Place)
1997  University of Oklahoma Graduate Student Senate Research Creativity Award
1993  University of Central Oklahoma Graduation with Distinction / Graduate Student of the Year

 

Membership in Professional Organizations:

American Chemical Society
American Society of Agronomy
Oklahoma Academy of Sciences
Sigma Xi
Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
Soil Science Society of America

 

Professional Development:

1.  “Using PC-ORD for Multivariate Analysis”.  Oregon State University.  Corvallis, OR.  October 24-26, 1997.

2.  “Analytical and Statistical Methods for Analysis of Chemical and Environmental Data”.  Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 18th Annual Meeting.  San Francisco, CA., November 16-20, 1997.

 

Publications:

2001.  Olson, P.E., P.R. Philp, and J.S. Fletcher.  Natural attenuation/phytoremediation in the vadose zone of a former industrial sludge basin.  Environmental Science and Pollution Research.  8(1):  (In Press)

2000.  Olson, P.E., and J.S. Fletcher.  Ecological recovery of vegetation at a former industrial sludge basin and its implications to phytoremediation.  Environmental Science and Pollution Research.  7(4):195-204.

2000.  Olson, P.E.  The Role of Vegetation in the Phytoremediation and Ecology Recovery of Hazardous Waste Sites.  Ph.D. Dissertation.  University of Oklahoma.  Norman, Oklahoma.

1999.  Olson, P.E. and J.S. Fletcher.  Field evaluation of mulberry root structure with regard to phytoremediation.  Bioremediation Journal.  3(1):1-7.

1997.  Olson, P.E. and J.E. Bidlack.  Yield and enzymatic activity of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) subjected to alternative pest control.  Journal of Herbs, Spices and Medicinal Plants.  4(4):3-16.

1993.  Olson, P.E.  Metabolism, quality variation, and production aspects of natural pest control in sweet basil [Ocimum basilicum (L.)].  University of Central Oklahoma.  M. S. Thesis.

 

Manuscripts in Preparation:

2001.  Olson, P.E., T. Wong, and J.S. Fletcher.  Phytoremediation of organic pollutants:  Allometric modeling of above and belowground biomass measurements of trees growing in a PAH-contaminated sludge basin.

2001.  Kyle, M.D., P.E. Olson, J.S. Fletcher, and D.P. Nagle.  Studies on bacterial microflora associated with vegetation growing in a PAH contaminated industrial site.

2001.  Olson, P.E. and J.S. Fletcher.  Estimated number of sites contaminated with PAHs in the United States, associated clean-up costs, and the prospect for phytoremediation.  

 

Book Chapters:

2001.  Olson, P.E., E. Pilon-Smits, and K.F. Reardon.  Rhizosphere Bioremediation of Recalcitrant Organics:  Plant-Microbe Interactions and Ecological Perspectives.  In:  “Phytoremediation:  Degradation and Control of Hazardous Wastes”  Eds. S.C. McCutheon and J.L. Schnoor.  Wiley and Sons.

 

Presentations and Published Abstracts:

2001.  Reardon, K.F., P.E. Olson, J. Lowell, K. Hale, E. Pilon-Smits, N.M. DuTeau, and D.A. Klein.  Plant Rhizosphere Screening for Enhanced Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Removal.  6^th International Symposium on In Situ and On-Site Bioremediation.  San Diego, CA  June 4-7.

 

2001.  J. Lowell, N.M. DuTeau, K.F. Reardon, P.E. Olson, Pilon-Smits, and D.A. Klein.  Induction of Genes for PAH Degradation by Plant Root Compounds.  6^th International Symposium on In Situ and On-Site Bioremediation.  San Diego, CA  June 4-7. 

 

2001.  Reardon, K.F., P.E. Olson, J. Lowell, K. Hale, E. Pilon-Smits, N.M. DuTeau, and D.A. Klein.  Plant-Enhanced Microbial Degradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons.  Invited presentation at the Environmental Biotechnology Institute's Bioremediation Symposium II, San Luis Obispo, CA, February 8-10.

 

2001.  Olson, P.E., J. Lowell, K.F. Reardon, E. Pilon-Smits, K. Hale, N.M. DuTeau, and D.A. Klein.  Plant-Enhanced Biodegradation of Mixed Polycyclic Aromatics.  NIEHS Conference on Application of Technology to Chemical Mixture Research, Fort Collins, CO, January 9-11.

 

2000.  Olson, P.E., K.F. Reardon, E. Pilon-Smits, J. Lowell, N.M. DuTeau, and D.A. Klein.  Stimulation of Microbial Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Biodegradation by Plant Chemicals.  Annual Colorado Biotechnology Association Day.  Denver, CO.  December 6. 

 

2000.  Olson, P.E., J. Lowell, K.F. Reardon, E. Pilon-Smits, N.M. DuTeau, and D.A. Klein.  Stimulation of Microbial Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Biodegradation by Plant Chemicals.  Annual Meeting of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Los Angeles, CA, November 12-17.

2000.  Olson, P.E., E. Pilon-Smits, N.M. DuTeau, K.L. Hale, J. Lowell, B.R. Page, and K.F. Reardon.  Rhizosphere bioremediation of organic and metal-contaminated environments.  The 7th International Petroleum Environmental Conference.  Albuquerque, NM, November 7-10.

2000.  Olson, P.E and J.S. Fletcher.  Use of Allometric modeling to estimate tree growth and phytoremediation performance at hazardous waste sites.  The 7th International Petroleum Environmental Conference.  Albuquerque, NM, November 7-10.

2000.  Olson, P.E., E. Pilon-Smits, M. Pilon, Y.L. Zhu, and N. Terry.  Genetic engineering of plant trace element metabolism:  Implications for phytoremediation.  The 7th International Petroleum Environmental Conference.  Albuquerque, NM, November 7-10.

2000.  Fletcher, J.S., P.E. Olson, M.D. Kyle, and D.P. Nagle.  Phytoremediation:  The key to successful biosystem treatment of recalcitrant soil contaminants.  The 7th International Petroleum Environmental Conference.  Albuquerque, NM, November 7-10.

2000.  Olson, P.E., K.F. Reardon, E. Pilon-Smits, K.L. Hale, J. Lowell, N.M. DuTeau, B.R. Page, and D.A. Klein.  Stimulation of microbial PAH-biodegradation by plant-derived compounds.  Chemical Engineering Seminar Series.  Fall 2000, Colorado State University.  September 29.

2000.  Olson, P.E., K.F. Reardon, E. Pilon-Smits, J. Lowell, N.M. DuTeau, and D.A. Klein.  Stimulation of microbial PAH-biodegradation by plant-derived compounds.  Thirteenth Annual Colorado Biotechnology Symposium.  Colorado State University.  Fort Collins, CO.  September 14.

2000.  Fletcher, J.S., P.E. Olson, and M.B. Leigh.  Phytoremediation of recalcitrant soil pollutants-PAHs.  Fifth International Symposium and Exhibition on Environmental Contamination in Central and Eastern Europe.  Prague, Czech Republic.  September 12-14.

2000.  Olson, P.E.  Phytoremediation of organic pollutants.  Invited presentation at Exponent, Inc.  Boulder, CO.  July 7.

2000.  Olson, P.E. and J.S. Fletcher.  The role of vegetation in the phytoremediation and ecological recovery of hazardous waste sites.  Hazardous Waste Research 2000 Conference.  Denver, CO.  May 23-25.

2000.  Pilon-Smits, E., M. Pilon, and P.E. Olson.  Phytoremediation of heavy metals, metalloids, and organics:  A multidisciplinary approach.  Hazardous Waste Research 2000 Conference.  Denver, CO.  May 23-25.

2000.  Pilon-Smits, E., K.L. Hale, M. Pilon, P.E. Olson, Y.L. Zhu, and N. Terry.  Enhanced phytoremediation efficiency through plant biotechnology.  Hazardous Waste Research 2000 Conference.  Denver, CO.  May 23-25.

2000.  Olson, P.E., P.R. Philp, and J.S. Fletcher.  Natural attenuation / phytoremediation at a former sludge basin.  Phytoremediation :  State of the Science Conference.  EPA Sponsored.  Boston, MA.  May 1-2.

2000.  Pilon-Smits, E., M. Pilon, and P.E. Olson.  Phytoremediation of heavy metals, metalloids, and organics:  A multidisciplinary approach.  Phytoremediation :  State of the Science Conference.  EPA Sponsored.  Boston, MA.  May 1-2.

2000.  Olson, P.E.  Phytoremediation of recalcitrant organic pollutants:  An ecological and economical approach.  Biology Department Seminar Series:  Spring 2000, Colorado State University.  April 7.

1999. Nagle, D.P., J.S. Fletcher, M.D. Kyle, and P.E. Olson.  Phytoremediation of PAHs:  Microorganisms in the rhizosphere.  The 6th International Petroleum Environmental Conference.  Houston, TX.  November 16-18.

1999.  Olson, P.E.   Phytoremediation of polyaromatic hydrocarbons:  Plants and microorganisms.  Oklahoma Academy of Sciences.  Invited speaker for the special symposium-Plant Responses to the Environment: From Molecules to Populations.  November 13.

1999.  Olson, P.E. and J.S. Fletcher.  The role of phytoremediation in intrinsic bioremediation.  Fifth International In-situ and On-site Bioremediation Symposium-Batelle.  San Diego, CA.  April 19-22.

1999.  Fletcher, J.S., P.E. Olson, M.D. Kyle, M.B. Leigh, and D.P. Nagle.  Mulberry:  A natural injector system to stimulate microbial degradation of PAHs.  Fifth International In-situ and On-site Bioremediation Symposium-Batelle.  San Diego, CA.  April 19-22.

1999.  Olson, P.E. and J.S. Fletcher.  The use of allometry curves in phytoremediation.  Graduate Student Research Poster Session.  Graduate College, University of Oklahoma.  April 12-16.

1998.  Nagle, D.P., M.D. Kyle, P.E. Olson, and J.S. Fletcher.  Polyaromatic hydrocarbon-degrading microflora associated with vegetation at a phytoremediated site. The 5th International Petroleum Environmental Conference.  Albuquerque, NM., October 20-23.

1998.  Olson, P.E. and J.S. Fletcher.  Preparation and use of allometry curves in phytoremediation.  IBC’s Third Annual International Conference on Phytoremediation.  Houston, TX., June 22-25.

1998.  Nagle, D.P., M.D. Kyle, P.E. Olson, and J.S. Fletcher.  Bacterial microflora from a vegetated, PAH-contaminated, industrial site.  IBC’s Third Annual International Conference on Phytoremediation.  Houston, TX., June 22-25.

1998.  Olson, P.E. and J.S. Fletcher.  The role of phytoremediation in intrinsic bioremediation.   Graduate Student Research Poster Session.  Graduate College, University of Oklahoma.  April 13-17.

1998.  Fletcher, J.S., and P.E. Olson.  Natural revegetation of a PAH-contaminated sludge basin.  215thAmerican Chemical Society National Meeting.  Dallas, TX., March 29 - April 2.

1997.  Olson, P.E. and J.S. Fletcher.  The role of phytoremediation in intrinsic bioremediation.  Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 18th Annual Meeting.  San Francisco, CA., November 16-20.

1997.  Olson, P.E. and J.S. Fletcher.  The role of phytoremediation in intrinsic bioremediation.  The 4th International Petroleum Environmental Conference.  San Antonio, TX., September 9-12.

1997.  Fletcher, J.S., P.E. Olson, and M.B. Leigh.  The role of phytoremediation in intrinsic bioremediation.  Fourth International In-situ and On-site Bioremediation Symposium-Batelle.  New Orleans, LA., April 28 - May 1.

1993.  Bidlack, J.E., S.C. Rao, P.E. Olson, and R.J. Cummings.  Use of chickpea and pigeon pea in wheat-legume cropping systems of Oklahoma.  85th Annual ASA, CSA, SSSA Meeting.  Cincinnati, OH., November 7-12.

1993.  Olson, P.E. and J.E. Bidlack.  Metabolism, quality variation, and production aspects of natural pest control in sweet basil.  University of Central Oklahoma Graduate College Colloquium.  April 14.