Dr. Nicholas First: The First Graduate of the Gestal BREATHE Lab

The year 2025 has been filled with many milestones, but one achievement stands out in a particularly meaningful way: the graduation of Dr. Nicholas First, the first PhD graduate of the Gestal BREATHE Lab.

I still remember the day Nick joined the lab. From the very beginning, his enthusiasm, curiosity, and commitment to science were incredible and remarkable, that energy never faded. Watching his growth as a scientist over the years has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Nick was my first graduate student, and seeing him complete this journey is both a proud and deeply emotional moment, sweet due to his success and sour due to his departure..

There is something special about mentoring students from their very first steps, guiding them through challenges, discoveries, and growth, and then watching them take flight toward new adventures. Although Nick has now moved on to his postdoctoral training at UT San Antonio, the connection does not end here. We may not see each other every day, but we continue to talk several times a week, showing that mentorship does not stop at graduation but the connections are long-lasting.

Nick will always be part of the BREATHE Lab family, and I am incredibly proud of all that he has accomplished and of the scientist he has become. His journey is just beginning, and I cannot wait to see where it takes him next.