Nicola Case, Molecular Genetics
Nicola Case is a 4th year PhD candidate in the Department of Molecular Genetics, working under the supervision of Dr. Leah Cowen on species of fungi that infect humans.
Since joining the department in 2018, Nikki has been actively involved in the Molecular Genetics graduate student association (GSA), as well as in broader mentoring and leadership roles at the University of Toronto. In 2020, as the GSA Vice President Internal, Nikki spearheaded the department’s first ever virtual wine and cheese event to celebrate students who reclassified or qualified into their PhD that year. This event was a much-needed social gathering, which occurred at the end of May in 2020, during which all students were working from home. Additionally, in 2020, Nikki reimagined the department’s beloved annual retreat, which is usually held in person, into a virtual format. The new retreat included student talks and awards, faculty-based entertainment, a first-year student night, and importantly, a mental wellness seminar on Impostor Syndrome led by counsellors at Shift Health. Ideated and organized by Nikki, Laura Hergott, Zoe Clarke, and Mallory Wiggans, this seminar was exceptionally well received by students, faculty, and staff alike, and has led to a wellness seminar as a permanent fixture at the retreat.
In 2021, Nikki was co-president of the Molecular Genetics GSA, alongside Michelle Harwood. Nikki and Michelle helped students navigate the transition from virtual to in-person events and learning, as well as advocated for various aspects of student concerns, including course structure, time to degree completion, mental health concerns with the pandemic, and continual discussions on health benefits and stipends. Nikki is a current presidential advisor for the GSA, alongside Michelle, supporting the current GSA as they lead new and incredible initiatives.
In their activities outside of the department and within UofT, Nikki has been a youth tutor and mentor with The Saturday Program, an undergraduate student mentor with the University of Toronto Women’s Association, an undergraduate shadowing mentor with the Office of the Vice Dean Research and Health Science Education, and is currently an assistant coach with the women’s varsity rugby team. Nikki is passionate about advocating for inclusivity and accessibility in science and sport within their many roles at the university and on supporting equal opportunity for access to research and education.