Biology, M.S.
Graduation Date:
Hometown: San Bernardino, CA
Nicole chose CSUSB for her master’s degree because of the quality of biology faculty and the research she wanted to do.
Nicole chose CSUSB for her master’s degree because of the quality of biology faculty and the research opportunities available to students.
Throughout her academic and personal journey, the San Bernardino native says her family and community are what keeps her motivated to succeed.
“I want my research and accomplishments to inspire others regardless of their background and obligations. I want the San Bernardino community to have more success stories and individuals to break the norms/stigmas of what society has placed on us,” she said. “Further I want my children to try their best. To know that there may be times that the odds seem against them but they can overcome any obstacle and will grow.”
She also specifically credits her father and her husband for their unwavering support.
Nicole is now defining her future by continually setting goals for herself and speaking to peers who can help her achieve those goals. One of those goals was to earn her Ph.D., which she got in environmental toxicology at the University of California, Riverside in 2018.
And she encourages current and future Coyotes to focus on their goals and take advantage of the numerous opportunities that CSUSB has to offer.
“CSUSB students should not be afraid to speak to their professors and discover what is available. CSUSB has a lot of opportunities and students should not be afraid to go after them,” she said. “If someone is offering to learn something new, learn it no matter what.”