Olivia Pederson is a political science and English double major from Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Her campus activities include In Between The Lines Improv Troupe and work at the Office of Technology Transfer where she works as an intern. She has also been a member of the club soccer team. She is a kind and nurturing Cancer who enjoys beautiful fall days. Her hometown is known for its beautiful fall foliage and terrific music scene.

If you had a soundtrack to life, what would be on it?

The New Pornographers, Rilo Kiley, Tilly and the Wall and Disney.

‘An unusual skill I have is…”

Swing dancing. I picked it up during high school. I don’t get to show it off here.
If you could change something about yourself what would it be?
I’m really happy with who I am, but would like to be more confident.

What does performing feel like?

Sometimes it’s really scary, but other times it is the most fun I can have, especially when I am in tune with the person I am on stage with.

Describe your favorite childhood toy.

I really liked building things and had this one set made of wood where you create pathways for marbles.

If you were a type of cheese, what would you be and why?

Probably provolone because I can go along with a lot of things.

What are your greatest UR accomplishments and future aspirations?

My favorite is getting into the improv troupe. It makes me really happy here, it relaxes you after stressful days, and I can count on seeing some of my best friends three times a week.
Afterward I’m planning on going to law school hopefully in New York City or Chicago.

Sakamoto is a member of the class of 2009.



Get to Know Me: Olivia Pederson

URochester Evolutionary Biologist Dr. Justin Fay conducted an investigation into how yeasts tolerate higher temperatures due to global warming in fall of 2025. The Fay Lab is a culmination of undergraduate and graduate students comparing the genomes of two different species of yeasts in the genus Saccharomyces — S. cerevisiae and S. uvarum. Saccharomyces is known […]

Get to Know Me: Olivia Pederson

When McGeary begins his tenure in March in the role of Andrew H. and Janet Dayton Neilly Dean of URochester Libraries, he will bring with him his experience of a career shaped by the changing role of libraries in a digital world. At Duke University, where he currently works, McGeary has helped oversee the systems and services that support teaching, research, and scholarship, for example, by digitally preserving data and developing new software. Read More

Get to Know Me: Olivia Pederson

For many current members of Greek life, the most important part of rushing was finding the best fit socially, and that’s what they would advise prospective members to focus on. Read More