Recent grad Jonathan Nicklas (Biology and Philosophy, 2018) is now a Fellow at the National Institute of Health (NIH) National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. Highlights from his responses to our questions are below.
What do you miss about Scranton and/or the U?
J.N. – Although I only graduated a couple months ago, I am certain that I will miss the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program. Aside from my science courses, I greatly appreciated the collection of thinkers and their ideas we discussed in the philosophy courses throughout my four years. I also am grateful for the teachers who made this unique program possible.
If you could give one piece of advice to current students, what would it be?
J.N. – I would suggest that she or he relinquish the concept that college, or life for that matter, has a set formula with rules that must be followed. There is no rule that states which major a student must graduate with… There is no rule that you, as a student, must do what all your peers are doing… choose a major that they are passionate about, explore what they can do in that field, speak with and get in contact with as many people as they can, and most importantly strive to do their best in whatever they choose. There are many avenues to succeed so long as a student has the drive to take them.
What [Biology] class was most helpful to your current path, and how?
J.N. – Microbiology Lab was the most helpful class for my current path for three reasons. First, this class introduced me to the microscopic world of bacteria. Second, this class helped me realize that I enjoyed regularly working in a lab setting. Finally, this lab taught me fundamental lab skills that I still use frequently in my current position.
What research experience was most helpful to your current path, and how? [Jonathan worked in Dr. Smith’s lab.]
J.N. – I learned that failing makes you a better researcher. For example, I am certain I incorrectly calibrated the instrument I was using to do readings for my project. Therefore, about one month’s worth of data I collected was erroneous and I had to redo it. Instead of quitting, I spoke with Dr. Smith and became more cognizant of the calibration protocol. I then collected adequate data I could use. This experience taught me that failing is a part of working in a lab. However, this lesson also taught me that being a truly great researcher means coping with your mistakes and transforming them into successes.
What do you want to do in the future?
J.N. – In the future, I hope to have a career in medicine. I am specifically interested in working with clinical trials someday as it will allow me to have an open dialogue with patients and fellow physicians in the clinic along with researchers in the lab.
Jonathan- Good luck to you at NIH. My husband and I graduated from the U years ago. It’s great to see a graduate working there. If you are going into Infectious Disease- I have some hope you will look into how Lyme Disease is affecting our state of PA and the nation. We are number one in cases and only growing and it seems the national institutions and governments aren’t doing much to stop its growth. My entire family of 5 was affected by the disease and I know many other families in the state that have been affected. I helped start the Lehigh Valley Lyme Support group that meets the first Wednesday of every month in Lehigh Valley. There is a true need to address the growing disease. Hundreds of sick people are coming through our doors and not getting the help and better tests they need from doctors. Many doctors are perplexed on the complexities of the disease and its co-infections Babesia, Bartonella, and Mycoplasma. I urge you to look into this, perhaps make it your platform while looking into Infectious Disease. The disease needs more funding and research. While Columbia and Johns Hopkins have done some work, more needs to be done.