Nikola Chin – Nampa
Welcome to ASCLS Idaho. I am your current President (July 2026 – June 2027) and it is a pleasure to serve our constituent society. I am a dynamic and charismatic individual who enjoys making a difference in the lives of others. I joined the medical laboratory profession after working as a medical assistant for 16 years. This is my 2nd professional career, giving me a total of 23 years in healthcare, wow! In my lifetime I have been blessed to have had many accomplishments. For starters I think I am your first Jamaican ASCLS Idaho constituent society president. My lineage holds not only African Jamaican roots but also Chinese, hence the last name.
As a member of ASCLS, I have been awarded the National (2025), Region VIII (2025), and State (2026) Omicron Sigma award. Member of the Year for Idaho ASCLS (April 2025) and Constituent Society Member of the Year Award (June 2025). The Key to the Future Awardee (April 2023) and I am also a graduate of our Region VIII Leadership Academy (2025).
In academia I hold a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science that I achieved from Idaho State University, but I also have a MMBS (Microbiological, Molecular and Biomedical Science), an AS in Biology with Emphasis in Healthcare, and my Medical Assistant Certification (2002). Through my yoga journey I achieved my 500YTT hours as a yoga instructor.
As a member of ASCLS, I have been awarded the National (2025), Region VIII (2025), and State (2026) Omicron Sigma award. Member of the Year for Idaho ASCLS (April 2025) and Constituent Society Member of the Year Award (June 2025). The Key to the Future Awardee (April 2023) and I am also a graduate of our Region VIII Leadership Academy (2025).
In academia I hold a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science that I achieved from Idaho State University, but I also have a MMBS (Microbiological, Molecular and Biomedical Science), an AS in Biology with Emphasis in Healthcare, and my Medical Assistant Certification (2002). Through my yoga journey I achieved my 500YTT hours as a yoga instructor.
To be very honest, I am just a non-traditional student who loves to learn and loves to serve others. I don’t believe in being defined by title or work but how I choose to live life. When I pass from this world, I want to be remembered as someone who brought light to a room. One who made others feel accepted and loved. I think one of my best characteristics is my joyful spirit, and that is mixed in with some tenacity, perseverance, and resilience. I love life and this has led me on many paths. Other things I enjoying doing are cooking, traveling and yoga. I’d have to say I am a water baby, as I love the ocean and that probably has a lot to do with me growing up in Jamaica. In Idaho, I love exploring, taking a dip in a hot spring somewhere or climbing up a ridge and breathing in the view.
I love being a medical laboratory scientist. I believe that anything you do in life, you should enjoy it. To be passionate and engaged. Lastly, to have gratitude for even the most-simplest of moments. When you can find joy in the littlest of things, it allows you to have appreciation for the large ones.
