Category: Medical & Molecular Sciences
Department of Medical and Molecular Sciences Welcomes New Faculty
February 20, 2025 Written by Amy Cherry | Photos by Ashley Barnas Larrimore and Evan Krape
Nicole Pekarek joins MMSC as assistant professor
On the first day of the spring semester, Nicole Pekarek jumped right into the classroom.
The new assistant professor in the University of Delaware’s Department of Medical and Molecular Sciences is teaching the Language of Medicine, Introduction to Medical and Molecular Sciences, and Immunohematology I.
She comes to UD’s College of Health Sciences from Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina, where she was an instructor for 15 years. Last summer, she obtained her doctorate from NC State in Education Research and Policy Analysis, concentrating on Adult and Community College Education, Allied Health.
“I saw the position at UD, and it seemed like a perfect fit,” she said.
Aside from passing through via Amtrak, this marks her first time in Delaware.
“Everyone has been really nice and helpful,” she said. “UD’s campus is just beautiful, and with all of the programs offered here, it’s clear it’s a quality place to work.”
Pekarek became interested in a career in medical and molecular sciences at a young age.
“I always loved science, nature, and biology,” Pekarek said. “My mother had breast cancer and had a lot of blood and platelet transfusions, and when I realized I could have a career in a blood bank and make a difference in people’s lives, that inspired me.”
She obtained her bachelor’s degree in biology from Appalachian State University with a concentration in medical technology. Like many incoming freshmen, she didn’t know a career in medical laboratory science (then called medical technology) was possible.
“We need to start educating students as early as elementary school to introduce to them the idea that there are careers in healthcare other than nurses and doctors and that those who conduct blood testing are laboratory professionals – not doctors,” said Pekarek.
She plans to continue to raise awareness about medical laboratory science careers in Delaware.
“I was active in the North Carolina Society for Clinical Laboratory Science. We held science events and found ways to introduce the concept to high school students before they made college decisions,” said Pekarek.
Pekarek began her career as a generalist at a level-one trauma center in Asheville, North Carolina. She then worked in transfusion services at the blood bank and started teaching students during clinical rotations.
“That fostered my love of teaching,” she said.
Her favorite part is watching students’ minds work.
“I love seeing students put all the puzzle pieces together and seeing that moment when it clicks, and it all connects, and they find their confidence,” she said. “I enjoy seeing their progression from exploration to grasping concepts and wanting to make it their career.”
Over the years, her students have taught her patience and empathy.
“They’re so curious, and they keep me up-to-date and on my toes,” she said.
She hopes they learn from her that careers in transfusion medicine are possible.
“Transfusion medicine can be scary at first; they have someone’s life in your hands, and that’s a big responsibility,” she explained. “But once they get into it, they see the logic and support systems in place, so they’re not alone in their decision making.”
She’s most excited about focusing on immunohematology at UD.
“That’s my passion and where my expertise lies,” she said. “I look forward to interacting with honors and graduate students and showing them that a career in transfusion medicine is rewarding.”
For fun, Pekarek loves reading, traveling, and being in nature – the mountains and the beach.
“I grew up in the Appalachian mountains, so I have an affinity for that,” she said.
She’ll be living in Delaware with her husband and two cats, Magic and Midnight.
