Russ Olwell, Ph.D.

Dr. Russ Olwell is a Learning Skills Advisor at TAFE NSW, where he works at the Suburban Study Hub in Macquarie Fields, New South Wales, Australia. As part of the Australian government’s initiative to improve university attendance and success, Dr. Olwell and his team support secondary students, TAFE students, and local university students in earning tertiary credentials.

Dr. Olwell has transitioned from historical research to educational leadership, bringing a unique perspective to his work in access and equity in higher education. His primary focus areas include developing and implementing Early College and Dual Enrollment programs that allow high school students, particularly those from underserved communities, to earn college credit while still in secondary school. He is deeply committed to mentoring and has developed innovative strategies for improving college and career readiness through effective mentorship programs.

Prior to his current role, Dr. Olwell conducted research in the history of science, with particular expertise in the social and labor history related to atomic energy programs in the United States. This interdisciplinary background informs his approach to educational equity and student success.

Dr. Olwell holds a Ph.D. in History of Science and Technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he developed expertise at the intersection of science, technology, and society—a perspective he now applies to creating pathways for students to access and succeed in higher education.