SCHOLARSHIP
Also known as Your Scholarly Homegirl, Dr. Nicole integrates identity, intellect, and innovation to bring scholarship to the streets and culture to scholarship.
Dr. Nicole’s vision is to create a world where people don’t have to choose between intellect, intuition, and identity in order to grow. Through education and media, she uses her voice as Your Scholarly Homegirl to help folks evolve — with support, real strategy, and spaces to be seen, held, and guided along the way.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Identity-Centered Growth
Dr. Nicole helps people evolve in a way that honors their whole selves — not just what they do, but who they are becoming. Through reflection, truth-telling, and aligned action, she supports clients and communities in gaining clarity, confidence, and direction across personal, spiritual, and professional domains.
Liberatory Education & Curriculum Design
With a Ph.D. in Engineering Education Systems and Design, Dr. Nicole brings deep expertise in building transformative learning experiences rooted in cultural fluency and liberatory frameworks. She makes theory tangible — designing workshops, courses, and educational tools that empower people to grow without erasing their truth.
Strategy, Organization, & Accountability
Dr. Nicole helps people move from stuck to strategic by offering practical, values-driven tools for clarity and execution. Whether you're navigating a transition, mapping a vision, or simply trying to get your life together, she provides structure, systems, and real accountability — all without sacrificing your identity or intuition. Her approach is honest, supportive, and rooted in helping you do what you said you were gonna do.
Multimedia Communication & Public Scholarship
Dr. Nicole turns complex knowledge into content that connects — whether through podcasting, digital tools, storytelling, or curriculum. As a public scholar and creative educator, she bridges the gap between deep expertise and everyday growth. She also helps others do the same, guiding scholars, educators, and thought leaders in translating their own voice and brilliance into media that educates, affirms, and expands their reach.
Heading 2
Dr. Nicole’s mission is to help people grow with clarity, strategy, and integrity — evolving their identity, intellect, and intuition through education, media, and meaningful support.
GRANTS
Smith, W., Nicole, F. (Co-PI), Voigt, M., Hagman, J., Callahan, K., Gallagher, E. (2022) “Achieving Critical Transformations in Undergraduate Programs in Mathematics (ACT UP Math),” National Science Foundation (HRD #2201486). $1,500,000.
Zywicki, S., Nicole, F. (Co-PI), Grant, J., & DeBoer, J. (2020). “Enabling Inclusion: Challenging Faculty to Disrupt Surveillance and Discipline of Black Women in Higher Education.” Purdue University Susan Bulkeley Butler Center for Leadership Excellence, $5000.
Nicole, F. (Lead PI), Haney, C., Olayemi, M., Grant, J., Luster, M., Dennis, A., Zywicki, S., and DeBoer, J. (2020). “Scholarly Activism: Using Classrooms as a Workspace for Enacting Change Within Systems of Oppression.”
Purdue University Graduate School’s Grant for Advancing Social Justice and Diversity in Graduate Education, $4800.
[4] Quigley, L., and Nicole, F. (2024). “Yes, But Justice First": An Equity Focused Exploration of Generative AI in Engineering Education Research.” Journal of Engineering Education. (Extended Abstract Accepted)
[3] Bolick, M. A., Thomassen, M., Apland, J., Spencer, J., Nicole, F., Tran, S., Voigt, M. Lazar, K. B. Project-Based Learning in Interdisciplinary Spaces: A Case Study in Norway and the United States. Educ. Sci. (2024), 14, 866. https://doi.org/10.3390/edusci14080866
[2] Hagman, J., Voigt, M., Bennett, A., Nicole, F., Bolick, M.A., Pai, L., Kress, N., Quaisley, K., Tremaine, R., Funk, R., Hill, P., Smith, W. (2024). Experiencing Tensions of Nepantla with Inner-Departmental Change Groups. Frontiers in Education. 9:1454303. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1454303
[1] Nicole, F. (2024). “I Didn’t Succumb to the Darkness”: Multi-Modal Reflections on Black Womxn’s Engineering PhD Spirit-Murdering Experiences. ADVANCE Journal (5) 1. https://doi.org/10.5399/osu/ADVJRNL.5.1.5
Referred
Journal
Publications
PUBLICATIONS
Books
[1] Telfer, N.A., Nicole, F., Mosley, A., Shamisd-Deen, Q., Joseph, J., Prince, K., Turner, B., Williams, S., Clarke, N., Holling, N., Hannah, S., Watkis, R., White, A., Dauda, Z., Gay, O., Mpai, R., Williams, E., Williams, H. (Eds.). Our Doctoral Journey: A Collection of Black Women’s Experiences Vol II. Bloomington, IN: Xlibris Publishing, (2025 - In Progress), Print.
Referred
Conference Proceedings
[3] Coley, B.C., Bekki, J.M., Wilkins-Yel, K.G., Nicole, F., Maitra, D., Guiterrez, J.D., Darvishpour Ahandani, M., & Campbell, M. (2023). It’s No Mystery, So It Must Be Intentional: How Institutions Fail to Support Black STEM Doctoral Students’ Mental Health. Proceedings from ASEE 2023: American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference and Exposition, Baltimore, MD. 10.18260/1-2--43895
[2] Nicole, F. (2022). “We Deserve Education Without Trauma”: The Occurrence of Spirit-Murdering on Black Womxn in Engineering Doctoral Programs. Proceedings from ASEE 2022: American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference and Exposition, Minneapolis, MN. 10.18260/1-2--41897
[1] Nicole, F., & DeBoer, J. (2020). A Systematized Literature Review of the Factors that Predict the Retention of Racially Minoritized Students in STEM Graduate Degree Programs. Proceedings from ASEE 2020: American Society for Engineering Education Virtual Annual Conference and Exposition, Longbeach, Ca. 10.18260/1-2--34069.
*Best Student Paper Award in the Graduate Studies Division and Honorable Mention for Best DEI Paper.
“The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.” - Ida B. Wells
Whether it’s accountability sessions, collaborative research, workshop facilitation, or speaking engagements, Dr. Fantasi Nicole is dedicated to partnering with individuals and organizations to drive equitable transformation. She brings wealth of expertise to every collaboration in efforts to increase personal growth, professional development, and systemic innovation. Book a free 30 minute consult today!
LET'S WORK
Whether it’s accountability sessions, collaborative research, workshop facilitation, or speaking engagements, Dr. Fantasi Nicole is dedicated to partnering with individuals and organizations to drive equitable transformation. She brings wealth of expertise to every collaboration in efforts to increase personal growth, professional development, and systemic innovation. Book a free 30 minute consult today!