Nichola J Hill
About Nichola J Hill
Nichola J Hill is an Assistant Professor at the University of Massachusetts Boston, specializing in pathogen research and disease control. She has extensive experience in various academic and research roles, including positions at Tufts University, MIT, and the FAO, and has conducted field research in diverse global locations.
Work at UMass Boston
Nichola J Hill has been serving as an Assistant Professor at the University of Massachusetts Boston since 2021. In this role, she engages in teaching and research, focusing on a variety of pathogens. Her work contributes to the academic community and enhances the educational experience for students in the field of wildlife biology and disease ecology.
Previous Experience at Tufts University
Prior to her current position, Nichola J Hill worked at Tufts University as a Senior Research Associate from 2017 to 2021. She also held the position of Research Assistant Professor at Tufts University from 2018 to 2021. Her roles involved conducting significant research in the Greater Boston Area, contributing to the understanding of disease dynamics in wildlife.
Research Focus and Methodologies
Nichola J Hill conducts research on a diverse array of pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A Virus, Cryptosporidium, Toxoplasma, and West Nile Virus. She studies host taxa such as birds, marine mammals, rodents, and marsupials to find solutions for disease control globally. Her research integrates ecological tools like GIS, satellite telemetry, and stable isotope analysis, as well as high-throughput molecular screening and bioinformatics tools.
Educational Background
Nichola J Hill earned her PhD in Wildlife Biology from Macquarie University, where she studied from 2004 to 2008. She also holds a Bachelor of Environmental Science in Zoology from the University of New South Wales, completed from 1998 to 2002. Her educational background provides a strong foundation for her research and teaching in wildlife biology and ecology.
Field Research Experience
Nichola J Hill leads field research in various remote locations, including Mongolia, Egypt, Bangladesh, Costa Rica, and Alaska. Her experience in these diverse environments enhances her understanding of ecological dynamics and disease transmission, contributing to her research on pathogen host-switching at both molecular and ecological scales.