Alumni Spotlight

Mike Nicholson '01

What you are doing now: I am the Director of Cell Biology for Precision BioSciences, a small biotech company that engineers custom endonucleases that enable genomic molecular biology.

Major: Chemistry

Favorite class at Brockport: Physical Chemistry (very difficult, but incredibly interesting).

Favorite professor at Brockport: Dr. J. Emory Morris

Most memorable Brockport moment: Receiving the President’s Citation

Most interesting life experience: For about 5 years before I attended SUNY Brockport, I was a rock musician and toured the US with several bands.  Lots of great experiences, lots of stories…

Most famous person you have met: Tom Petty

Last book read: Until I Find You by John Irving

CD most likely to find in your stereo: Sunny Day Real Estate

Favorite Movie: Papillon (an old Steve McQueen movie)

Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere with sand and blue sky

Family: My wife, Sara, and I have two wonderful boys: Graham (4) and Cooper (2)

What you want to be doing next year: Continuing my work with Precision BioSciences

What you want to be doing in 20 years: I would love to own a bakery/café, but have someone else run it while my wife and I travel the world.

Message to the students of today: Find your passion and chase it!  If your passion changes, follow it - don’t be afraid to drop everything and change directions (even if that means quitting your rock band to become a scientist!). Most importantly, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something.

Other Alumni Spotlight Honorees

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