From Los Angles, Nicole Merino’s path to microbiology wasn’t always clear-cut — initially drawn to nuclear chemistry and astrophysics, she found her true passion in microbiology during a community college course. Now a microbiology (pre-nursing) major set to graduate in May 2025, Nicole has embraced every opportunity at WSU, from conducting bacteriophage research to studying antimicrobial resistance in Kenya. As president of WSU’s Partners in Health Engage chapter, she’s also taken her passion beyond the lab, advocating for global health initiatives, even speaking with members of Congress.
What initially drew you to your major?
Funny enough I was initially wanting to study nuclear chemistry or astrophysics – I love space. Medicine and health care, though, always caught my eye, and it was a bit more realistic for me, thus during the pandemic I decided to do nursing since my community college (College of the Canyons in Valencia, California) offered two years of free college, and they had a well-known nursing program.
However, after taking one course in microbiology at COC I fell in love. The professor – Cindee Robinson – played a huge role in this love for the science. So, I looked up the top universities for microbiology to transfer into, and WSU popped up.
Who has been the most influential mentor or professor during your time at WSU?
That’s a hard question. I couldn’t pick one, however, I’ll pick the few that made my life happier, easier, and worthwhile.
Kathryn Ann Jackson: May she rest in peace – she died over the summer. She was my advisor and the first person to truly believe in me. She helped me gain opportunities, made college life easier for me, and always had my back when I needed her.
Thomas Shane: I had him for two classes, and he helped me get through a very, very rough time by allowing me to turn in some work later than was due so that I could focus on my mental wellbeing. I don’t know if he knows how much I deeply appreciate what he had done for me.
Lastly, my uncle and my mother. They both are extremely influential in my life. They both worked hard coming from Colombia and have companies now here in the United States. I want to follow in their footsteps and continue growing our family’s legacy of handworkers.
Have you had any opportunities to work in a lab or conduct research while at WSU?
I’ve had multiple, but two experiences really make the difference.
I went to a study abroad in Kenya. I worked with some of the best scientists I have ever met – special shout outs to Jeplee Moureen, Ayodo Charchil, Beatrice Atieno Oduor, and Anita Makori. I primarily learned about antimicrobial resistance, learned how to code in R, and toured around the different laboratories, dipping my feet into science I never even touched in the states, such as learning how to sequence DNA. All of this was at the University of Nairobi Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases.
Second, would be finding bacteriophages in wastewater. I was given my own project by a faculty member in the Civil and Engineering department. As an undergraduate, working mostly by myself in phage hunting, this experience was so unique and different I can’t help but to Include it.
In terms of studies, working in a lab and doing your courses can be very demanding, but if it’s an experience that is extremely valuable to your growth and your career, it will be worthwhile no matter how much you struggle.
What’s your favorite thing about WSU?
The layout of the campus in Pullman being under the night sky. Being from Los Angeles, I never really get to see stars, only the moon and the brightest celestials in the sky. Getting out of a laboratory late at night or leaving some late-night studying from the CUB, to see the sky really reminds me of how beautiful everything is here.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I want to become a CRNA and work in a lab on the side, preferably working on bacteriophage therapy in humans. My education at WSU has allowed me to dip my toes in almost everything microbiology, the opportunity’s I have had here have been so directly unique and special for phage therapy and antimicrobial resistance.
What hobbies or extracurricular activities have you enjoyed at WSU?
I played intramural soccer for some time and attended some dance classes. It was a lot of fun while it lasted, but now I’ve just been trying to immerse myself in the gym to strengthen my joints. The U-Rec offers so many courses and classes! You can never be bored.
What’s a fun or surprising fact about you that most people wouldn’t guess?
I’ve actually spoken to members of Congress in person at Washington, D.C., on the END Tuberculosis Now Act. Through Partners in Health, I’ve been able to directly communicate global health issues to them.