30-year Physiology veteran named department chair
Following three years in interim role, Olson takes the helm officially
After three years serving as Department of Physiology interim chair, Karl Olson has officially been appointed permanent chair.
“After running the department for three years, I am excited to continue,” Olson said. “For the most part, we now have a new front office team, and we’ve made great strides toward creating a friendlier and happy environment."
Among Olson’s initiatives and accomplishments over the past three years are the promotion of 13 faculty members, the hiring of four new faculty, including three in the tenure system, the retention of three highly productive researchers and the acquisition of advanced research equipment which Olson described as critical to advancing the department’s research programs.
“Karl has been an outstanding leader as the interim chair of physiology, and he has done a terrific job guiding the department through the transition period,” said College of Natural Science Dean Eric Hegg. “His dedication to the department, his strong relationships with the faculty and staff, and his passion for both our teaching and research missions make him the perfect person for this job. I’m thrilled to have him step into the permanent chair role.”
A Minnesota native, Olson earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Minnesota Duluth and a Ph.D. in pharmacology from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. He came to MSU in 1995 and has since served in key leadership roles within the Department of Physiology, including as Director of the Undergraduate Program.
Olson’s research focuses on molecular endocrinology, particularly how elevated glucose and lipid levels impair pancreatic ß cell function. His lab was among the first to show that chronic glucose exposure disrupts insulin gene transcription and alters lipid metabolism pathways. More recently, his research has identified lipid-related biomarkers that may help predict early islet autoimmunity and type 1 diabetes risk.
Looking ahead, Olson plans to strengthen the department’s financial footing while maintaining its core missions of research, teaching and service. In the long run, he hopes to grow the department’s research profile, particularly in the area of neural control of organ systems.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Karl for the past three years and have full confidence in his ability to lead our department during what looks to be a period filled with change,” associate chair Michelle Mazei-Robison said. “We will benefit from his deep knowledge of the department and university and the strong relationships he’s built during his career at MSU to effectively advocate for our department. And moving forward, I know Karl will actively seek out the input and advice of department members to help shape the vision of how MSU Physiology will innovate and excel in the future.”
This budding momentum under Olson’s leadership is something that Gina Leinninger, director of the Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology graduate program, is eager to build on, too.
“We are looking forward to ways to further enhance the graduate program, including exciting new class and career development opportunities,” she said. “We also hope to better connect our current students and alumni, so that students see examples of what an MSU MCIP degree can yield and expand their network to support their own career development.”
For Olson, the most rewarding part of being chair is celebrating milestones as students, faculty and staff advance in their careers. Those gratifying moments make any personal sacrifices well worth the effort.
"I thoroughly enjoy working with our support staff, faculty, and academic staff," Olson said. "Now, this gets to continue.”