MENTOR NETWORK
Nicole Henderson '20
She/Her/Hers
Fremont, CA
Oxy Major/Minor:
Biology
Current Company:
IGeneX Inc.
Current Position:
Clinical Laboratory Associate
Campus Involvement/Special Programs:
Pre-Health Student Association (PHSA), Oxy Women's Golf Team, University of Otago Study Abroad Program
Secondary Schooling:
Applying to medical school next year (2021)
Favorite MP/Cooler Food:
MP turkey lettuce wraps, Cooler mac & cheese bites
Best Oxy Class:
Bio 325 - Microbial Diversity with Dr. Goffredi
Groups I Identify With:
Women in STEM, BIPOC, student-athletes
Bio:
Hi Oxy students! My name is Nicole Henderson and I graduated from Oxy in 2020. I am currently working as a research associate at a medical lab that provides diagnostic testing for Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases, as well as COVID-19 testing. Next year I plan on applying to medical school--potentially dual degree programs that include a Masters in Public Health (MPH). My favorite part about Oxy was the strong sense of community I felt on campus, and getting to know many of my peers in my STEM courses throughout college. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions about biology or chemistry classes at Oxy or what post-grad life is like!
Career Advice:
I would recommend making an appointment with the Hameetman Career Center if you are looking for summer jobs or internships. I went to the HCC during my first year at Oxy and had my resume and cover letter reviewed and edited by one of the staff members who ended up helping me land a summer internship at a biotechnology company the summer after my first year. I worked at the same company again the summer after my junior year. In addition, networking is very useful! Once you have an internship/job, it pays to make good connections with the people at your company.