Alumna Update: Nicole Chinnici
Nicole Chinnici, B.S. Biology 2011, is currently the director of the Northeast Wildlife DNA Laboratory at East Stroudsburg University. The laboratory conducts genetic analyses for collaborating agencies for a variety of wildlife applications ranging from infectious disease diagnostics and wildlife forensics to population genetics and phylogeographic studies. The laboratory also offers tick identification and PCR screening for tick-borne diseases. In fulfilling its educational mission, the laboratory trains interns and provides them with research opportunities in epidemiology, genetics, forensics, diagnostics, and the ecology of vector-borne diseases. Nicole earned her Master's degree in Biology from East Stroudsburg University. Her thesis research examined the genetic structure of American black bears (Ursus americanus) in New Jersey. She received theSigma Xi outstanding graduate research award. Nicole has taught introductory biology at Northampton Community College and microbiology laboratory at East Stroudsburg University. Nicole, at center in the photo, is shown with a group of her students at the recent Pennsylvania Academy of Sciences meeting at King's College.