Hunter Olson ’21
When Hunter Olson ‘21 first stepped foot onto campus, he was drawn to its unique proximity to Mayo Clinic. “I knew this connection would provide unparalleled opportunities for networking, hands-on learning and real-world experiences in the medical field,” shared Olson.
He was also drawn to UMR’s innovative curriculum and collaborative team-oriented environment. Every course, no matter how diverse, is deeply rooted in health sciences, ensuring a well-rounded yet specialized education. Olson knew that these skills and experiences would be essential, not only for his career growth but also for his personal development.
However, it was his Capstone experience that contributed most in shaping Olson's personal development, offering both an introspective and transformative journey. A key focus of his Capstone, titled “The Queer Eye: A Reflective Analysis of a Queer Student’s Understanding of Humility, Determination, and Regret,” was LGBTQ+ advocacy at UMR. As co-president of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance Rochester (GSAR), he worked to address the University’s lack of systemic support for queer students including confronting dismissive attitudes about LGBTQ+ representation to developing an initiative for Safe Space stickers. “I learned that even small steps toward change require persistence and resilience,” shared Olson.
During this same time, Olson was applying for graduate schools, an experience that pushed him to grow, reflect and move forward with a clearer sense of purpose, reinforcing the importance of humility, advocacy and adaptability that he learned through his Capstone. “Initially, I believed I understood humility, but my graduate school application journey challenged that notion. Despite strong credentials, I faced rejection from all the programs I applied to which forced me to reassess my expectations, grow from failure and find new motivation for the future.” At the time that rejection felt like failure, but after reflection Olson shared that it was exactly what he needed to grow personally and professionally.
“These experiences have not only made me a more competitive applicant for graduate school but have also given me the confidence and adaptability that are crucial for a successful career in research. This journey has reinforced my belief that experience is one of the most valuable teachers in life. What once felt like a setback was actually a stepping stone, allowing me to grow in ways I never expected. Looking back, I’m genuinely happy that I faced that challenge because it led me to opportunities that have truly shaped my future.”
Multiple faculty also impacted his academic journey. While at UMR, he served as an undergraduate academic assistant for several biology courses, allowing him to work closely with nearly all of the biology faculty at UMR. “Each of them played a role in shaping my academic journey, offering support, encouragement and inspiration. Their belief in my potential and their commitment to my growth in science and research meant the world to me. More than anything, they encouraged me to embrace my authentic self—a lesson I will carry with me forever.” Three instructors that Olson shared had a profound impact on him are Dr. Andrew Petzold, Dr. Rachel Olson and Professor Jennifer Wollschlager.
In his current role as a research technician at Washington University School of Medicine, he contributes to multiple projects focused on the microbiome, virome and maternal health, particularly in the context of pregnancy and infection dynamics.
Olson is also preparing for the next big step—applying to graduate programs. ”This time around, I feel more confident and ready to take on the challenges ahead. Overall, I’m excited about where I am and even more excited about where I’m headed. Every experience I’ve had—both successes and setbacks—has led me to this point, and I’m looking forward to what comes next,” shared Olson.