UAlbany Biology Undergraduate featured in "The College Tour"

The Department of Biological Sciences is proud of Leann Nicholas, a double major in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Spanish who is featured in the episode of The College Tour: https://www.albany.edu/the-college-tour#watch. The College Tour is a nationally streaming series on Amazon Prime Video that showcases the personal stories and experiences of college students across the United States. The show’s main goal is to give prospective students and families an inside look at college life that includes academic, research and internship opportunities, athletics, student organizations, etc. Each episode features students from a college or university who share their journeys and achievements while showcasing how they were able to navigate college, pursue their goals, and take advantage of the resources available to them at their academic institution.

Leann, who is part of the Upstate Accelerated Scholars BS/MD Program, recently began her first year of medical school at SUNY Upstate Medical University’s Norton College of Medicine while completing her undergraduate degree at UAlbany. The Upstate Accelerated Scholars BS/MD Program provides a pathway for highly qualified students interested in medicine. If accepted, students are guaranteed admission to SUNY Upstate Medical University’s Norton College of Medicine upon entering an approved undergraduate program. The Norton College of Medicine is known for its small class sizes, interdisciplinary clinical training, and commitment to serving diverse and underserved areas across New York State. Leann’s acceptance into this competitive program enabled her to directly pursue her medical studies after completing her three years of undergraduate coursework at UAlbany.

A native of Farmingdale, N.Y., Leann has excelled both academically and athletically during her time at UAlbany. A captain of the track and field team, she holds the University’s indoor and outdoor triple jump records and has earned numerous athletic distinctions. As a member of the Albany community, Leann was named an America East Presidential Scholar, an honor awarded only to student-athletes who earn a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher while completing their undergraduate coursework.

While athletics has been a major part of her life, Leann’s main objective has always been to become a doctor and practice medicine. Born in Queens to parents who immigrated from Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, she began volunteering in high school and found that the experience confirmed her commitment to a career in healthcare. At UAlbany, she validated her commitment to medicine by serving as vice president of the Doctors for Hope Executive Board, tutoring peers, and volunteering with the Red Cross and Chasing Health. Leann also conducted an independent research project examining Spanish-language attitudes in New York State medical settings which earned her the Undergraduate Honors Thesis Award at UAlbany’s Spring 2025 Showcase Day. Furthermore, she conducted DNA nanotechnology research in the Chandrasekaran Lab at UAlbany’s RNA Institute.

Leann’s impressive undergraduate accomplishments made her a perfect student representative for The College Tour. During the premiere event held last fall, she and her fellow students showcased UAlbany’s academics, research opportunities, student organizations, and overall campus experience. As Leann continues her journey through medical school while completing her final requirements for her undergraduate degrees, she stands out as an example of the drive, curiosity, and leadership that defines UAlbany students, faculty, and staff. The Department of Biological Sciences congratulates Leann on all that she has achieved at UAlbany and looks forward to seeing her realize her dream of becoming a medical doctor.

Click to watch the episode of The College Tour featuring Leann Nicholas: The College Tour | University at Albany.

Information on UAlbany Department of Biological Sciences Academic Programs: https://www.albany.edu/biology/programs.

Original UAlbany featured article on Leann Nicholas: Desire for Patient Connection Inspires Future Doctor’s Spanish Language Journey | University at Albany.