Columbia University
New York, New York, United States
Nikki is a graduate of Columbia University in behavioral neuroscience and biology. Her educational and research focus has been on the molecular underpinnings of how stress and brain tumors impact the brain. She currently works in DIPG research at Mount Sinai Hospital.
Over the last several years, she has been increasingly active in patient advocacy, scientific communication, and health literacy research with foundations such as Gift from a Child and sits on the board of Tough2Gether, a foundation dedicated to helping DIPG research and patient families. Nikki’s work focuses on helping patient families understand the basic science needed to make decisions on clinical trials and treatment decisions for their children. One of the tools developed for this purpose, Understanding Brain Tumors, is an ongoing series of lectures on the science behind pediatric brain tumors for non-scientists.
Outside of brain tumor research, she is also passionate about better accommodation and access to higher education for students with chronic illnesses and disabilities. Nikki is a current MD/Ph.D. applicant with the intent to pursue both the clinical and research aspects of pediatric neuro-oncology. Outside of the lab, her work is focused on scientific communication, helping families to understand the importance and process of clinical research. She has years of experience, both professionally and personally, as a disability and patient advocate.
