Dr. Nicholas joined the MGH Institute of Health Professions faculty in 1989 after completion of the D.N.Sc. degree at Boston University. She serves as Chairperson for Advanced Practice and coordinates the adult primary care track. Dr. Nicholas also serves as advisor to third-year students on scholarly work/thesis.

Dr. Nicholas has engaged in research on quality of life in chronic illness, particularly HIV/AIDS and international/cross-cultural work. She completed both a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard School of Public Health in 1999, and a Master of Public Health degree in International Health (HIV/AIDS minor) at Harvard. Dr. Nicholas is a Visiting Professor at Catholic University in Leuven Belgium and is the recipient of a Fulbright Scholar Award for 2003-2004 to study in Germany. In 1995, she was awarded the Excellence in Teaching Award from the MGH Institute of Health Professions.