After working throughout her undergrad at Gannon University in microbiology and physiology labs, Nico received her Bachelor’s degree in Biology. Wanting to continue her path in academia, she joined the Center for Vaccine Research at the University of Pittsburgh as a research technician under Dr. William B. Klimstra. Here, she studied encephalitic alphaviruses endemic to the Americas. Her experience includes in vitro, and both large and small animal models working towards viral attenuation, treatment, and an eventual vaccine.
When she isn’t working, Nico enjoys playing video games, drawing, and taking care of her jungle of houseplants alongside her cat Charlie and fuzzy tarantula.