Nicole (Nikki) Jones, HTL
Nicole (Nikki) Jones, HTL (ASCP), is the Lead Histology Technician at Tennessee Oncology in Franklin, Tennessee. As a certified histotechnologist, Nicole plays a pivotal role in every step of preparing biopsy specimens for pathological examination. From initial processing and embedding in paraffin wax to cutting micron-thin tissue sections and applying stains such as H&E, special stains, and immunohistochemistry (IHC), she ensures that specimens are accurately prepared for diagnosis. Nicole’s work with bone marrow and other complex specimens requires meticulous attention to detail, critical problem-solving skills, and early-morning dedication to meet clinical timelines.
Before joining Tennessee Oncology, Nicole honed her laboratory expertise at QualDerm Partners, progressing from Laboratory Technician to Histotechnician. She developed proficiency in operating computerized lab equipment, preserving tissue integrity, troubleshooting challenging specimens, and preparing slides for pathologists. In addition to her technical expertise, Nicole brings strong leadership, teamwork, and organizational skills, cultivated through her experience in customer service and management roles at PACSUN, and through research collaboration as lead author on a neuroscience publication.
A graduate of the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Nicole was recognized as a Provost Scholar and member of the Sally Barksdale Honors College. She is passionate about advancing clinical diagnostics while mentoring colleagues and inspiring the next generation of scientists, particularly young people and women in STEM. Nicole thrives on bringing more exposure to histotechnology, a critical behind-the-scenes field in medicine, and is dedicated to sharing the excitement and importance of her work with the broader community.
• HTL(ASCP) - Scientist in Histotechnology
• University of Mississippi - BS, Biology, General
• Lead author on published sleep research in scientific journal
• College honors list
• Newspaper publication recognition for research
• Sunday school teacher at church
What do you attribute your success to?
I totally credit my faith to any success I've had in my field. My faith is the most important part of my life, and even though a lot of people separate science from faith, the two truly overwhelming define each other. I've felt really blessed with how everything has lined up - this new job, being so young and already being able to be a part of a field where it's just me and another woman running a department, and having a lead title and being certified at such a young age. The closer I have gotten to God, the better my life has become in all aspects, so I really accredit all of my success to Him. I also have a deep love for learning - I genuinely just love learning so much. Once I master something, I get really excited for what's the next thing I can learn, and I think that's another reason why I've had a really quick movement up in my field.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Honestly just to be yourself. I know that is so corny and overused, but I think at one point, while entering the medical laboratory field, I was trying so hard to come off as this person I was not to seem more "professional". I tried to subdue a lot of my natural joy and charisma in fear of it highlighting my young age or femininity, which I thought might make interviewers take me less seriously. I learned that those qualities are often what people are looking for in a future coworker, and it is not one or the other with being a happy versus intelligent person- the two can coexist and create an even better package deal.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Definitely shadow at the laboratory you are interested in starting at or ask specific questions about the work flow before you commit to a position. This is a field where some labs will need someone to be in one area of the histology process the entire day. This is something that some people really enjoy, but you want to make sure it is an area you are looking to be in if that is the case. I personally enjoy moving with the specimens to different steps through the process, so that was what I was looking for, which is thankfully what I have found in my new job! All locations can be looking for different things, so it is important to explore and get a feel for what an actual work day in each lab would look like.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
This field doesn't have enough exposure, especially for young people. My manager and I were talking about how there are a lot of older, retired, or older people leaving to retire, and not enough young people coming in to replace them. It's a very niche field that's not talked about - I was in the science world and I didn't even know it existed, and most people don't. It just kind of falls into people's laps. I wish this was a field I had known about when I was in college because it's something I could have planned a route for, but it just doesn't get a lot of exposure. It's a job that a lot of people don't even probably know that they could get into, but it can lead to a lot of success and has so many levels you can grow in. It's needed all over the country.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My faith is the most important part of my life and guides everything I do. I feel that God has truly served me in all aspects of my life, so serving Him back is really important to me. This is why I serve at church teaching Sunday school and also why I try to represent His loving and understanding character as best I can. Creating an environment, in and out of work, where everyone feels comfortable to ask for help in order to learn and grow is very important to me. I also really value learning and being mentally stimulated - I have a deep love for learning and I genuinely just love to learn about anything. That love of learning shows up in all areas of my life, whether it's my work, music, reading, or trying new things.