She studies and models the effects of green roof design and maintenance on stormwater management and biodiversity. Years ago, Olyssa was a teacher and organizer for the Boston Urban Ecology Institute's after school program. Along with Kelly Ksiazek-Mikenas, a PhD candidate and researcher at the Chicago Botanic Garden, Olyssa co-authored the children’s activity book: Growing UP in the City: A Book About Green Roofs (2014): Follow the friendly bumble bees as they venture into the city to learn about the benefits of green roofs. This 24-page activity book will help students, teachers, parents, and interested citizens learn about the many ways in which green roofs are taking urban ecology to new heights. Olyssa is part of a Collaborative Video with Kelly Ksiazek-Mikenas.