Matthew Nicholaou (2023)

Matthew Nicholaou, professor and chair of medical laboratory sciences, was named the 2023 Hinckley Fellow for excellence in teaching, scholarship and community engagement. 

Nicholaou emerged as a leader during the COVID-19 pandemic. His expertise in clinical diagnostics, microbiology and infectious diseases allowed him to assist with the university’s testing, identification and vaccination efforts throughout the public health crisis. 

During his remarks, Nicholaou said he was honored to be named among many past recipients he has looked up to during his 12 years at WSU: “I truly appreciate this recognition, and at the same time, it’s just who we are, that’s just how we work, jumping into action when we’re needed,” Nicholaou said of his college’s response to COVID-19.

He also noted collaboration and connections are “the most important part about Weber.” He regularly assists students in conducting and presenting research, which has led to many top honors at WSU’s research symposiums.

Nicholaou has served as the Dr. Ezekiel R. Dumke College of Health Professions representative to WSU’s undergraduate research department, a faculty senate member and a Dumke College executive committee member. He was named Dumke Endowed Chair two years ago.

Currently, Nicholaou is collaborating on a COVID-19 study, “Booster Epidemiological Evaluation of Health, Illness and Vaccine Efficacy,” with University of Utah professor Sarang Yoon and the Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health.