Dr. Purcell joined HMRI in 2021 to pursue two passions: her research on intracellular signaling pathways involved in cardiovascular disease, and training and nurturing the next generation of scientists and doctors. In addition to her role on the cardiovascular research team, Nicole will also serve as director of HMRI’s inaugural STEM Program for high school students in the community. She has a unique ability to mentor individuals who wish to pursue careers in various scientific and medical fields. Before joining HMRI, Nicole spent almost 14 years at the University of California at San Diego, first as a research scientist, then as an assistant professor, and finally associate professor in the Department of Pharmacology. Her contributions to science include regulation of signal transduction pathways in the heart; investigating the role of MAP kinases and related enzymes in cardiac diseases; and therapeutically targeting newly discovered phosphatase (PHLPP) that impacts the physiology and pathophysiology of the heart and brain.