The official biography below was current at the time of the award. Awardees may choose to provide their latest biographical information on their profile page.

During his 32-year tenure at Howard University, Dr. Nicholson has served as advisor to 14 doctoral students, nine master's degree students and countless undergraduates. Under Dr. Nicholson's stewardship there has been a 100 percent increase in total enrollment in Howard's chemistry program and in the number of students pursuing doctoral degrees in chemistry. The program annually produces 20-25 percent of the nation's African American Ph.D.s in chemistry. Dr. Nicholson also collaborates in a precollege program that allows high school students to experience hands-on scientific research at Howard.