Judy Nichols is a current junior originally from Oahu, Hawaii, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in chemistry with the goal of graduating in May 2026. Her academic journey has taken her from the islands to the Midwest. 

Judy Nichols ’26

Her previous school, Northland College, announced its closure during her sophomore year, presenting an unexpected challenge. Amid uncertainty, she sought out new opportunities and found a connection to Beloit College through a professor. Beloit’s strong support system for transfer students made her transition seamless, even amid the uncertainty. Beyond the smooth transfer process, she was drawn to Beloit’s chemistry program, its engaging coursework, and the opportunity to be closer to family in the area. Now, as she continues her studies at Beloit College, she is eager to build upon her academic and research experiences, preparing for the next steps in her scientific career.

Her research journey began with a role as a lab assistant for a professor investigating a novel pesticide to combat invasive clams in Lake Superior. These invasive species pose a significant ecological threat, and the work aimed to find an effective and environmentally responsible solution to mitigate their impact. The research focused on developing and testing of this pesticide to make sure it was environmentally safe and would dissolve at a rate where it would not simply get swept away by the current. This experience provided her with invaluable hands-on exposure to the research process, from conceptualization to execution. She contributed to the development and testing of the pesticide by preparing samples, running analyses using instrumentation like UV-Vis spectrophotometers, and interpreting results across hundreds of data points.

Environmentally safe pesticide for use to combat invasive clams in Lake Superior.

At Beloit College, she has continued to expand her scientific knowledge and research expertise, further preparing her for graduate school and a future in the field of chemistry. While opportunities for independent research have reinforced her ability to design experiments and interpret results. The coursework at Beloit College has strengthened her analytical thinking and laboratory skills. Collaborating with faculty and peers has taught her the importance of scientific communication and teamwork, which are critical skills for success in graduate-level research. These experiences have solidified her passion for chemistry and ambition to pursue advanced studies, equipping her with the foundation she needs to contribute meaningfully to scientific discovery and innovation.