headshot of Sorghum Breeder Ramasamy Perumal

Brian Olson, PhD

Professor
WREC Department Head

Agricultural Research Center
1232 240th Avenue
Hays, KS 67601

Ph: 785-625-3425

Email Dr. Olson

Experienced manager with a demonstrated history of finding solutions in a water limited environment for the farming industry. Skilled in Life Sciences, Data Analysis, Wheat, Genetics, and Sustainable Agriculture. Strong human resources professional with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) focused in Weed Science from Kansas State University.

Experience


Professor and Head - Western Kansas Research Extension Centers
Kansas State University
Sep 2022 - Present
Hays, Kansas

  • Foster integration of research and extension personnel across the WKREC department.
  • Improve the fiscal performance and position of the department
  • Work to strategically staff the centers with appropriate faculty and support staff
  • Implementation of appropriate faculty and staff evaluation procedures
  • Foster excellence in research and extension missions
  • Implementation of long-range strategic plans of the University and College of Ag/KSRE
  • Oversee budget and assist in development of extramural support
  • Recruit and retain outstanding faculty and staff, promote their professional development
  • Develop effective communication mechanisms internally/externally
  • Foster a culture that supports diversity, collegiality, teamwork and multiculturalism
  • Cultivate new funding opportunities

Learning Center Manager, Bayer Crop Science
Aug 2018 - Sep 2022
Gothenburg, Nebraska

  • Manage personnel at Learning Center
  • Develop educational research and demonstrations for area producers and Bayer employees focusing on utilizing water efficiently to maximize its benefit in both dryland and irrigated production systems.
  • Look for opportunities to partner with various industry, university, and/or governmental agencies


Learning Center Manager, Monsanto Company
Mar 2014 - Aug 2018
Gothenburg, Nebraska

  • Manage personnel at Learning Center
  • Develop educational research and demonstrations for area producers and Bayer employees focusing on utilizing water efficiently to maximize its benefit in both dryland and irrigated production systems.
  • Look for opportunities to partner with various industry, university, and/or governmental agencies


Weed Managment Technology Development Rep
Monsanto Company
Nov 2011 - Mar 2014
Colby, KS

  • Design and develop weed research protocols
  • Communicate new product concepts to both internal and external clientele
  • Educate farmers on how to manage herbicide resistant weeds

K-State Associate Professor - Northwest Area Agronomist
Kansas State University
2001 - 2011
Colby, Kansas

EDUCATION

Kansas State University
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)Weed Scienc