James Olson
Professor of Emergency Medicine
Professor of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology
Wright State University, Boonshoft School of Medicine
Dayton, Ohio
Background: I started in an engineering physics program as an undergraduate, moved to biophysics in graduate school and there discovered neuroscience, where I've been working ever since. The analytical skills I picked up in engineering together with the ability to apply principles of physics to problems in biology have served me well. I am now interested in understanding how the brain regulates its volume, how it adapts to conditions of increased or decreased water content (volume) to maintain normal function, and how a persistent increase in brain volume (edema) leads to cellular injury.
Question 1: What are you most proud of in your work?
Answer: The successes of my students and laboratory assistants. They have gone on to successful careers in medicine, psychology, pharmaceuticals, and science. I'm pleased to have played a small part in their training and strive to keep up with their progress.
Question 2: Tell us about a hobby or passion outside of work.
Answer: First, I like moving fast and low to the ground. Therefore, I ski when I can, ride a road bike when the weather is above 45 degrees Fahrenheit, and fly airplanes as general aviation pilot. Second, I enjoy pumping nylon on my acoustic guitar (classical music) and playing electric bass in blues bands. Finally, I photograph with black and white film and make prints in my darkroom. For the latter I have teamed up with a poet/physician colleague of mine to publish over 30 pieces in medical journals that reflect on experiences of the scientist, physician, and academician.
Question 3: If you could have one day in another profession, what would you want to do?
Answer: I'd probably want to be a pilot and fly my blues band to a live gig where I'd do a photo shoot between sets.
Question 4: What's playing on your iPod/music player?
Answer: Artists from my list of Top 25 Most Played: Jackson Brown; Feist; Amy MacDonald; Peggy Sue; Green Day; Jesca Hoop; Rolf Lislevand; Sonos; Dropkick Murphys; Paul Simon; The Proclaimers; Adrienne Young and Little Sadie; Brandi Carlile; Temple of the Dog; Joshua Bell; Allison Krause and Union Station; Jeff Beck; Los Lobos; Annie Lennox; Aretha Franklin; John Williams; Rodrigo y Gabriela.
Question 5: If you had to go live on a desert island, what are the three things you would bring with you?
Answer: The three things I would miss the most and would have the greatest difficulty living without: my wife and two sons.