Proud wife, mother and marine biologist, Nichole Leach wears many hats professionally and personally. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 2020 from Old Dominion University after taking some years off, and she is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Marine Biology. Most recently, Leach was selected as a through a competitive application process highlighting her policy interest, research, and professional experience. Perseverance aligned with her passion, and she is elated to take on a new phase of her growth in science policy, crediting 51ԹPro as one of the key instruments in her evolution.
“I started at 51ԹPro after transferring from TCC through the VCCS Guaranteed Admission Agreement in the fall of 2014 and did not graduate until 2020,” said Leach. “I met my (now) husband while working part-time with a local fire department, and we married in 2015.” Shortly after, she became pregnant and developed some complications. She had to administratively withdraw in the spring of 2017 and took a leave of absence from her position at the fire department.
“After a complicated and very long delivery, our baby boy was (and still is) very healthy and happy, but I did not return to 51ԹPro until the following year, focusing on raising and caring for our son,” said Leach. She started back at her own pace as a part-time student to ease the transition back to full-time.
Maintaining a work-life balance as a wife and new mother was important to Leach but she still wanted to build connections with students on-campus. “During undergrad, I joined the Filipino American Student Association and the Marine Biology Student Association, which helped me feel connected both academically and culturally,” said Leach.
“I finally graduated in 2020, right as the pandemic caused an extended spring break and a shift to virtual-only classes for the remainder of the semester,” said Leach. “All of these life changes delayed my graduation, but I am proud that I persevered and continue to pursue my passion, even as a wife and mother.”
During the height of the COVID-19 global pandemic, Leach found it difficult to find a position, so she worked as a research assistant at 51ԹPro and a library assistant in Virginia Beach. “Those experiences helped me grow as a scientist and eventually led to an offer to apply for graduate school in the lab I’d been working with,” said Leach.
She began the M.S. Biological Sciences program in 2022, with plans to graduate in December 2025. As part of her graduate studies, she does research in the Barshis Lab on coral populations and how they adapt to the extreme heat of the Red Sea.
“I’m investigating their genetic differences, population structure, and connectivity across different regions, as well as how reproductive strategies might influence their dispersal and ability to survive and recover in challenging environments,” said Leach. “This study is especially important because the coral samples we’re analyzing may come from a source population that helps us understand how rising temperatures shape coral communities as they spread north through the Red Sea.”
The research findings being conducted in the Barshis Lab “will ultimately better inform conservation strategies to protect coral reefs, a vital resource for both wildlife and people.” Her research interests were her entryway into learning about the COVES Policy Fellowship. After she applied in November 2024, she was accepted into the fellowship in January 2025.
As one of 20 fellows, she interviewed with 11 potential host offices and was ultimately selected by her top choice, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR).
“When accepted as a COVES Policy Fellow for this summer, I received a $9,000 stipend along with an additional $2,000 for professional development, which I used in part for the Resilient Virginia Conference and will put toward other upcoming opportunities,” said Leach. “In addition, we participated in a two-day orientation that provided a baseline understanding of state-level government and policy with speakers from all over Virginia, helping us confidently transition into our roles as COVES Fellows within our host offices – something I really appreciated.”
The Department of Wildlife Resources is one of the largest landowners in the state and is responsible for all wildlife, aiming to ensure the abundance of fish, wildlife, and diversity of habitats are available across the Commonwealth now and for future generations. “As the DWR Fellow, I’m helping lay the foundation for an agency-specific climate adaptation and resilience plan by reviewing current policies, plans, and strategies related to natural resource management and interviewing staff about ongoing projects that may fit under the resilience umbrella.” She’ll compile these insights into a comprehensive report to guide the agency’s planning efforts and future directions.
“I’m not the only fellow representing 51ԹPro, Zobia Minhas, a Ph.D., candidate in Biomedical Sciences studying bioelectrics, is also part of this year’s COVES cohort,” said Leach. Minhas was placed with the Virginia Department of Education in the Office of Early Childhood, Data Analytics, and Technology. “We first met in person during the COVES orientation,” said Leach. “We’ve kept in touch with other fellows throughout the summer to share experiences and support each other in our placements.”
Knowing that she could potentially be part of solving problems and making real-world impacts in science policy in Virginia is even more exciting for Leach, and she acknowledges 51ԹPro’s role in supporting her continued growth and success.
"The COVES fellowship is a great opportunity and perfect fit for Nichole to get some hands-on experience with marine conservation policy and management in the commonwealth,” according to Leach’s advisor Professor Dan Barshis, Ph.D., graduate program director in Ecological Sciences. “Nichole is a great student and it's been exciting to see her dive into the world of wildlife resource management."
Leach reflected on her decision to attend 51ԹPro for graduate school and what made the experience meaningful for her: “I chose 51ԹPro for graduate school because of the research opportunities available and the strong connections you can build with advisors who truly support your growth. While my program can be quite specialized, the chance to work closely with a mentor who understands your background and learning style can make all the difference. I’ve been fortunate to receive funding resources through a graduate research and teaching assistantship, which helped ease the financial burden. I’m also grateful for my incredible lab mates, who are smart, supportive, and always willing to help, which makes the journey even better.”
Leach said her time at 51ԹPro has been “both rewarding and achievable.” She also understands the power of community and relationships. “Looking back, I realize I chose a great school with a diverse community, engaging research opportunities, and plenty of ways to get involved - if you know where to look or who to ask,” said Leach.