An innovative thought leader seasoned in organizing multidisciplinary teams and community-based programs across and beyond the University of California, Nico has had the honor over the past fifteen years of organizing with some of the finest faculty, students, and administrators across the University of California’s world-class system, and loves collaborating with diverse groups and talented leadership.

His experience representing all ten UC Chancellors and Office of the President with the University of California Haiti Initiative (2010-14) informed not just UC DRN but also Nico’s PhD interest in the proper evaluation and assessment of innovative models of the University of California; particularly those system-wide manifestations aiming to address society’s most critical challenges. For his work, Nico has been recognized by the UC Regents for Excellence in Student Leadership and at UCSB for Excellence in Teaching.