.jpg "Karissa A. Nichols, BS photo")
Medical Student
University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Medicine
Karissa Nichols, BS, is a third-year medical student at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where she is pursuing a career in otolaryngology. She has a strong interest in rural medicine and hopes to bring her passion for head and neck surgery to underserved communities. Her research includes work presented at the Triological Society 2026 Combined Sections Meeting, "Mapping Durable Medical Equipment Access for Tracheostomy and Ventilation in Nebraska," and at the AHNS International Head and Neck Conference 2026, "Delays to Post-Operative Radiation: A Needs Assessment and Implementation of Second-Touch Visits." Karissa would like to thank the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at UNMC, and especially her mentor, Dr. Jayme Dowdall, for their guidance and support throughout her research and clinical training. She looks forward to continuing to grow as a physician-researcher dedicated to improving access to specialized care.