In 2003, she earned her Ph.D. in French Literature at the University of Wisconsin, in Madison, with a minor in film Studies. She teaches a variety of courses on literature, language, film and theater. Her academic interests include: women studies (Simone de Beauvoir, food and existentialism), pedagogy and film. Her newest course is The Remake: From French Cinema to Hollywood, Prof. Olivier is a huge cinephile: (she can quote everything from Francois Truffaut's film's!) and she believes in the power of visual arts in teaching. She also manages the French Club's monthly 'Cine'-Club on campus. Thanks to a grant from the French and American Cultural Exchange (FACE) and another one from Chapman University, Prof. Olivier organizes the Chapman French Film Festival each spring.