Julia Olsen is a long-time STEM Educator.  Most recently she was Director of Teachers in Industry in the College of Education for about 9 years.  She received a BA in Elementary Education from the University of Arizona (1989) and earned her PhD in Science Education (Teaching and Teacher Education) from the University of Arizona (2007), with a minor in special education.   Her dissertation research focused on developing computer-based instructional modules for special needs students.  She is a former middle school science teacher whose lengthy career focused on students with special needs and students from underserved populations.  She also has a strong background in computer science and educational technology.

Dr Olsen is skilled at leading workshops around Problem Based Learning, Differentiated Instruction, and the Understanding by Design framework. Specific background skills include:

• Business-Education collaboration
• Program development
• Program management
• Course development
• Teaching
• Professional Development for individuals and groups
• Web design and maintenance
• Database development and management (FileMaker)