Nicole J. Thomas, Ph.D., is the Director of Education Policy at the Kenny Guinn Center for Policy Priorities. She brings a strong background of mixed methods research and programmatic experience, having served for over a decade in various roles at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and working within the Nevada System of Higher Education.
Nicole’s research expertise resides at the intersection of education and psychology, and her work focuses on how complex systems within social-ecological contexts shape student learning and identity formation. Her work has been disseminated in peer-reviewed journals including the Journal of College Science Teaching and Ecosphere. Her research has garnered national and international recognition, including a Woman in STEM award from Senator Jacky Rosen’s office, the Sam Lieberman Regents’ Award for Student Scholarship, and two Nevada NASA Space Grant Consortium Fellowships. She previously served three terms as the President of the Graduate & Professional Student Association from 2021-2024.
Nicole holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, an M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction, and a B.S. in Biology, all from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She has taught undergraduate courses in science education and research methods at UNLV, and volunteers her time teaching science classes at The Garden Foundation, a local organization serving adults with special needs. Born and raised in southern Nevada, Nicole is passionate about expanding education access across the state while supporting the needs of every student.
