In addition her work in the area of hormones and behavior, Olsen has demonstrated immense commitment to promoting the professional development and equitable treatment of women in science throughout her career. Beginning in the 1980s, she designed a National Science Foundation funding mechanism focused on mid-career development for Women in Science and Engineering, and later strengthened programs designed to increase opportunities for women in the sciences. As Deputy Director of the National Science Foundation, she co-sponsored a White House conference on girls in science and technology with the Department of Education, and helped to develop educational materials for girls interested in scientific careers with scientific organizations and the Girl Scouts of America. Olsen earned her PhD from the University of California, Irvine.