Olson Labs Advance Research Growth at SDSU

By Scout Nelson

South Dakota State University’s (SDSU) Olson Research Laboratories continue a long tradition of using applied research to solve agricultural and scientific challenges. The facility honors Oscar Olson, a biochemist whose work helped uncover the causes of selenium-related livestock issues in South Dakota and advanced global understanding of the element.

In the early 1900s, farmers across South Dakota reported livestock problems, including health issues and poor productivity. Researchers at SDSU investigated the cause and discovered that selenium-rich plants were responsible for alkali disease in animals. Oscar Olson later developed important methods to measure selenium in soil, water, food products, and humans, helping scientists better understand both the risks and benefits of selenium.

The Olson Research Laboratories were renovated in 2012 with an investment of about $1.5 million. The improvements added modern research equipment, advanced laboratory areas, and space for graduate students. The updated facility helped continue Olson’s legacy of applied research while supporting SDSU’s goal of becoming a leading research institution.

Today, the Olson Labs support research in agriculture, animal science, and biology. Michael Gonda, professor in the Department of Animal Science, uses the facility to study cattle and bison genetics, including ways to improve feed efficiency and support livestock producers.

"The Olson Labs provide me with a laboratory space that allows us to accomplish our research goals, which are aimed at improving profitability of beef cattle operations,” Gonda said. “Our progress would be slower if these labs weren’t renovated ten years ago.”

The facility also supports biological research focused on understanding cellular processes and disease responses. Gergely Imre, assistant professor in the Department of Biology and Microbiology, studies how cells function and respond to health challenges.

"We focus on increasing knowledge toward the understanding of molecular processes underlying cellular function and how disease impairs these processes," Imre said. "Our goals are to determine how cells and tissues respond to signals, avoid and combat pathogens, heal wounds and maintain genome stability — areas that are relevant to health and disease."

Photo Credit: south-dakota-state-university