Nicolle has been a science educator for 18 years, teaching middle school science and future science teachers at the college level. She has a B.A. in Psychology from Tulane University and a B.S. and M.Ed. in Science Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. In addition to teaching, Nicolle works on a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant program that recruits, prepares, and supports STEM majors to become effective teachers in high-need schools. In 2010, she was selected to be a “Teacher at Sea” with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), where she participated in a Coral Reef Fish Survey in the Gulf of Mexico during the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. She blogged about the research while at sea and developed lesson plans stemming from the experience.

Ms. von der Heyde is a proud resident of the Tower Grove South community where she enjoys exploring the park, trying new foods, and spending time with her adorable mini schnauzers Stewy and Abby.