Stephanie Nicum

Public health major Stephanie Nicum didn’t expect to take on leadership positions at UMass Lowell (UML).

“I found opportunities and connections at UMass Lowell that encouraged me to pursue leadership roles and become deeply involved in campus life,” says Nicum, who graduated from Pinkerton Academy in Derry, New Hampshire.

A member of the River Hawk Scholars Academy, which provides support for first-generation college students, Nicum was inspired by her classmates to get more involved on campus.

Nicum became a student alumni ambassador and a resident advisor. During her sophomore and junior years, she served as senator-at-large for the Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences and finance chair of the Student Government Association.

These experiences encouraged her to run for student trustee, a representative of the university who serves on the UMass system’s board of trustees. Nicum won with more than 58% of the votes. In this one-year position, she engages with student government, campus organizations and student groups to gather input and represent diverse perspectives at the board level.

“These roles have given me a deeper connection to the campus community and have been some of the most rewarding parts of my UML journey,” says Nicum, who also spoke at Convocation for first-year and transfer students. “My leadership experiences have also enhanced my public health education at UML and taught me invaluable lessons, giving me confidence to pursue a career in public health.”

Originally a biology major, Nicum enjoyed her Introduction to Public Health course so much that she switched majors to public health, a field that combines her passion for science with her desire to make a tangible impact on communities.

“I’m interested in public health research and education, how health care systems function and how we can address health disparities within communities,” says Nicum. “Public health is a versatile degree that can translate into many different careers in nutrition, epidemiology, infectious disease and health education.”

Nicum also landed an internship at the Blum Center at Massachusetts General Hospital, which provides patients and families with health information resources. 

“My experience at UML has been incredible,” Nicum says. “I’ve had amazing professors who are passionate about what they do, courses that challenge me to think critically and supportive peers who inspire me.”