A first-gen doc student reinvests generosity, care and mentorship with her peers and students.
Winning the 2025 Sam Lieberman Regents’ Award is far from Nicole Thomas’ first big achievement. The 29-year-old educational psychology doctoral student’s academic career is studded with accolades, including the Edward Pearson Memorial Scholarship and two highly competitive Nevada NASA Space Grant fellowships. Yet, Nicole’s gratitude isn’t just for the honors or funds received—it’s for what they’ve made possible.
“Staying enrolled is the main thing for me,” she explained. “Scholarships and fellowships have allowed me to move out of my parents' house, conduct research projects, and start my own life.”
Inspirational Mentorship
Initially earning her bachelor’s degree in life sciences at UNLV, Nicole hadn’t considered a future in education. That changed when she met Tina Vo, a teaching and learning associate professor with a background in science. Tina immediately saw potential in Nicole as a science educator. “Her projects have always focused on supporting folks to learn about the world around them, help them grow, and think critically,” Tina said. “She is so community-oriented that it makes every space she is a part of better.”
A simple conversation over coffee opened her eyes to what she could do with her skills and interests, leading her to pursue a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. She loved her UNLV experience so much, she continued her studies as a Ph.D. student. Beyond graduate apprenticeship opportunities, “the mentorship here is incredible,” she said. “Faculty members truly care about you as a person. Faculty and financial support made it clear this was the best place for me.”
Paying it Forward
In addition to balancing rigorous coursework and research, her commitment to service and advocacy keeps her busy and fulfilled. As a beneficiary of state and donor funding, she helped other graduate students get the additional financial support and attention they needed to succeed. As the President of the Graduate and Professional Student Association from 2021 to 2024, she spearheaded a major campaign to increase graduate assistant stipends. She organized a lobbying trip to the Nevada State Legislature that resulted in a $20 million funding increase for graduate assistants statewide.
Jon Hilpert, Nicole’s Ph.D. advisor who encouraged her to apply for the Sam Lieberman Award, praised her leadership and impact. “Nicole is a model student, demonstrating what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and a deep understanding of how higher education systems work,” he said. “Her academic excellence and service to the graduate student community are truly inspiring.”
Nicole always encourages her peers to put themselves out there. “There are so many opportunities that we just don't know about,” she explains. “It can be scary applying for things but it always feels good once I am done applying.”
Long-Term Re-Investment Strategy
As Nicole approaches the final year of her Ph.D. program, she remains focused on her goals. “Graduating is, of course, the big one,” she said. “But I also want to publish one more paper and continue mentoring my students. If even one of them feels like I’ve been a good mentor, I’ll consider that a success.”
The Sam Lieberman Regents’ Award for student scholarship affirms the hard work Nicole has poured into her studies, research, and community leadership. Earning a doctorate has been a journey marked by pride and humility for the first-generation college student. “Sometimes I walk around my house and think, ‘I can’t believe I’ll be a doctor. My family didn’t even know what grad school was when I started.”
Looking ahead, Nicole envisions a future in public education, as either a faculty member or an administrator. “I believe strongly in the power of public education. Every student deserves access to a great education and faculty who are passionate about teaching. That’s what I want to be a part of.” Nicole’s story is a reminder of the transformative power of education and the importance of investing and lifting others along the way.
Written by Sakinah Musa