Michael Olson worked in investment banking and software engineering before taking a master’s degree
from NYU’s Interactive Technology Program, where he designed an Omnidirectional Locomotion
Interface that allows users to naturally walk around virtual worlds.

After graduating, Mike stayed at ITP as a Resident Researcher to continue work on his thesis. The next
semester, he started teaching classes in Interactive 3D and Massively MultiUser Media which sprang
from his fascination with Second Life and similar online worlds.

Many of his research interests surface in STRANGE FLESH, Mike’s debut novel, about which Publisher’s
weekly says:

“In his head-spinning literary thriller, Olson takes us down a rabbit hole of kinky cybersex and multilevel
mystery…a complex, cutting-edge debut.”

He’ll discuss his work at ITP, the conception, writing, and marketing of his novel, and begin a
conversation about the near-term evolution of neterosexuality.