Olson's studies DNA as polymers, with atoms and chemical bonds. She studies the interaction between DNA and structural proteins which do not bind to the nuclear bases, but to the phosphorus-sugar backbone, e.g.histones. Also, the energy needed to form circular DNA is investigated  Olson aims to clarify the role of local structure on the overall folding of RNA, for instance the helices and loops in the ribosome. A second goal is to uncover structural details of nucleic acid structural transitions, such as those involving different DNA duplexes. This information helps to design new drugs and materials.