Nicole Kanya

Originally from New Jersey, Nicole relocated to Florida in 2018 to pursue her undergraduate studies at the University of Tampa, where she earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Environmental Science, with minors in Chemistry and Applied Dance. Prior to beginning her graduate studies at the University of South Florida, she worked for two years as an analytical chemist in a NELAC-certified laboratory, conducting metals and microbiological analyses of soil, drinking water, and wastewater in support of EPA and FDEP regulatory compliance. As a graduate student, Nicole’s research focuses on the ecological roles of terpenes and their secondary metabolites, with particular emphasis on chemical defense and predator deterrence. Her work investigates how specific molecular features contribute to antifeedant activity and how these compounds mediate inter-organismal interactions through the use of mass spectrometry techniques and live bioassays. Outside of the laboratory, she enjoys running, fitness training, and maintaining dance as an active component of her life.