"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah 40:30-31, NIV
Dr. James T. “Jimmy” Olsen is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry in the School of Natural and Social Sciences at East Texas Baptist University. He earned his B.S. in chemistry from Grove City College in 2020. During this time, he also conducted research in the laboratories of Virgil Percec at the University of Pennsylvania. Upon the completion of his bachelor’s degree, he moved to Texas and earned his Ph.D. from John L. Wood’s lab at Baylor University in 2025. During his graduate studies, Dr. Olsen led efforts targeting the total syntheses of numerous natural products with notable biological activities. He believes that the construction of synthetic routes towards bioactive small molecules is crucial for the development of novel therapeutics, especially those with activity against neglected diseases. His research has culminated in numerous peer-reviewed publications as well as an ongoing patent application. At ETBU, Dr. Olsen enjoys incorporating both his Christian faith and his background as a synthetic organic chemist into his teaching. He strongly believes that a holistic Christ-centered education is imperative for maintaining a just and flourishing society. Dr. Olsen is engaged to be married to his fiancée Alexandria in the spring of 2026 and looks forward to starting a family in East Texas.