Her Story
About Elena
Elena Olson is a research scientist at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, specializing in microbiology, food safety, and animal science research. Her work focuses on pre-harvest interventions for animal-based food products and the application of microbiome science to poultry production. With a multidisciplinary academic background that includes a Ph.D. in Animal and Dairy Sciences with a focus on Microbiology and Food Safety, a Ph.D. minor in Entrepreneurial Operations, a master’s degree in Animal Sciences, and a bachelor’s degree in Biology with a pre-medical focus, she brings a comprehensive perspective to complex challenges at the intersection of science, agriculture, and food safety.
With six years of experience in poultry production and research, Elena has progressed through roles including postdoctoral researcher and research scientist. In addition to her academic research, she operates her own consulting LLC as a computational biologist, providing independent expertise in data analysis and scientific research. She collaborates with industry partners to design, conduct, and analyze studies; mentors undergraduate and graduate students; and contributes extensively to the scientific community through peer-reviewed publications. Her professional contributions also include serving as an editor for two scientific publications and maintaining active involvement in professional organizations within the meat science and poultry science fields.
Elena’s professional journey reflects her resilience, courage, and commitment to lifelong learning. As an immigrant who pursued an unconventional career path later in life, she draws strength from the personal challenges she has overcome and the adaptability they fostered. She approaches both her professional and personal endeavors with a commitment to continuous growth, embracing new opportunities and remaining open to change. Through her research, mentorship, consulting work, and scientific leadership, Elena continues to advance innovative approaches to microbiology, food safety, poultry science, and computational biology while contributing meaningfully to the broader scientific and agricultural communities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Elena
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the challenges I have faced and the resilience they helped me develop. My divorce became a turning point that motivated me to step outside my comfort zone and pursue my goals with greater determination. I believe meaningful growth often comes through adversity, and my journey as an immigrant pursuing an unconventional path later in life has required courage, adaptability, and perseverance. By embracing discipline, committing to lifelong learning, and continuously challenging myself, I have overcome imposter syndrome and transformed difficult experiences into opportunities for personal and professional growth.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is that research is a journey, not a checklist. Meaningful innovation comes from asking thoughtful questions, remaining open to feedback, and understanding that true leadership is defined by influence, collaboration, and the ability to inspire others rather than simply by authority or title. I have learned that professional growth is an ongoing process, and that real progress comes through continuous learning, curiosity, and a willingness to evolve rather than simply reaching one milestone after another.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the research and scientific industries is not to fear failure, because what initially feels like a setback can often become an opportunity for redirection and growth. Stay curious, ask questions, welcome constructive feedback, and remain open to learning from every experience. Do not allow titles or positions to define your leadership; instead, focus on developing adaptability, strong communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively. Most importantly, approach your work with genuine passion rather than simply checking boxes. Research is a journey filled with challenges, setbacks, and moments of uncertainty, but success comes from having the resilience to learn, get back up, and continue moving forward.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field right now include reduced government research funding, difficulties with hiring, and the challenge many students face in securing employment after completing their degrees. I also see the growing use of artificial intelligence in academia as both an opportunity and a challenge, particularly in finding the right balance between leveraging technology and preserving human creativity, critical thinking, and the originality of ideas. At the same time, there are significant opportunities for greater collaboration between academia and industry, as well as for interdisciplinary research that brings together diverse areas of expertise. I am particularly excited about the expanding applications of microbiome science to public health and the potential for innovative research to address complex challenges across food safety, animal health, and environmental science.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my professional and personal life are courage, resilience, adaptability, accountability, and discipline. I also value scientific curiosity and lifelong learning, which continually encourage me to ask questions, embrace new perspectives, and grow through every experience. Family, mentorship, and service to others are equally important to me, as I believe success is most meaningful when it is used to support, guide, and uplift others. These values shape how I approach challenges, relationships, research, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
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