Meet Nicole Villa

Meet OETIS team member: Nicole Villa

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was born and raised in San Diego. I only ever moved away for my three years of college at Northern Arizona University where I earned my B.S. in Public Health. After graduation I moved right back to San Diego and worked at a local non-profit that specialized in working with youth. During that time and amidst the pandemic, I went back to school, while of course staying in San Diego, to earn my M.A. in Human Behavioral Psychology from National University. After completing grad school, I knew I wanted to continue working with individuals to empower and support them in doing what they love which is what brought me to Sanford Burnham Prebys.

What excites you about working at Sanford Burnham Prebys & OETIS?

I love that everyone loves what they do here at the Institute. I think being able to work on something that someone is truly passionate about is incredibly rewarding. Although my background is not in science, I can see the love of science from all our amazing trainees and faculty. Coming from a public health background, I have always wanted to help people to ensure they are able to live their best and healthy life possible. I feel that with my role as the OETIS Program Coordinator, I can support our scientists in doing just that.

What led you to pursue a career in higher education/administration?

Early on in my career I collaborated with a variety of K-12 schools implementing different learning curriculums. I always enjoyed being around people learning and discovering who they are and what they loved. Within my previous positions, I was also always drawn to administrative tasks working on a variety of odds and ends projects. When I discovered this position, I was able to finally bring those two things together and get to support others through an administrative role.

To date, what is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

During the onset of the pandemic, I was teaching sexual and reproductive health in middle and high schools. Like so many others, all my work shifted to at home and online. Among everything happening in the world at the time, it was difficult to reach the students I was working with. Fortunately, at this time the social media app Tik Tok was all the rage. I began making videos for my students to supplement our lessons and within a matter of a few months the account reached over 12,000 followers and over 230,000 likes. It was incredible to see people from all over the world interacting with videos I was making at home.

What is one thing about you that would surprise people?

I have an entire nail studio desk set up in my apartment. During the pandemic I began doing my own gel extension manicures and have been doing my own nails ever since. I create custom press on nails with all kinds of different colors and designs for myself, friends, and family. I currently have just over 100 gel polishes in my collection!