For Nikolas “Niko” Johnson, learning isn’t just about earning good grades or checking off requirements. It’s about understanding the world at a deeper level.
A Biological Sciences major with minors in Biochemistry and Microbiology, Niko has built his Michigan Tech experience around intellectual curiosity and a genuine desire to explore complex ideas. That mindset earned him recognition as the 2026 Pavlis Departmental Scholar, an honor awarded to students who exemplify the Pavlis Honors Abilities.
According to Dr. Laura Fiss, Niko perfectly embodies the Honors Ability Learn Deeply.
“If you are in a class or seminar with him, you are likely to see him locked into the speaker, soaking in the information,” stated Dr. Fiss. “In the discussion or Q&A, he is unlikely to be the first to speak or the loudest, but he will ask perceptive questions. He also gets visibly excited about the speaker’s own interests. Niko loves to draw out others’ ideas and explore the concepts they introduce. He is purposeful, community-minded, and one of the most thoughtful students I’ve met.”
That same curiosity extends beyond the classroom and into the research lab.
Niko is a McNair Scholar and participates in the College of Sciences and Arts Research Experience for Undergraduates, conducting research in the laboratory of Dr. Robert Larson. The lab focuses on neurocardiology and autonomic regulation, particularly in the study of congenital heart disease and hypertension. There, Niko is trained in recording, modulating, and analyzing sympathetic nerve activity while working with tissue samples that contribute to a better understanding of these conditions and the development of future treatments.
While he enjoys research, Niko is quick to acknowledge that discovery is rarely straightforward.
“Research is tough, but that’s the nature of the beast. I’ve heard from experienced researchers that research is mostly failure. That’s a crucial aspect that many people might not be familiar with.”
Rather than being discouraged by setbacks, he views them as an essential part of the learning process.
Niko also seeks opportunities well beyond campus. Early in his undergraduate career, he attended the Society for Neuroscience Annual Conference, where thousands of researchers from around the world gather to share discoveries and exchange ideas.
The experience left a lasting impression. “I shook hands with the people whose work I was interested in. That’s networking 101,” stated Johnson.
Because the conference was held in his hometown, Niko took the initiative to attend, recognizing it as a rare opportunity to connect with leading researchers and immerse himself in the scientific community. He has continued to pursue experiences that broaden his perspective, including plans to conduct research in Germany through an opportunity he sought out himself.
His passion for learning also shapes his goals beyond Michigan Tech. Niko plans to attend graduate school to study neurobiology and immunology, investigating biochemical, cellular, and molecular questions. His interests are broad, and he enjoys learning from everyone around him, whether through conversations with faculty, classmates, or fellow researchers.
That pursuit of knowledge comes with sacrifices.
“It’s really a balancing act,” Niko reflected. “Scholarship is an infinite endeavor. There will always be things that I wanted to learn but didn’t have the time or bandwidth to learn.”
He recalls missing important personal moments while pursuing academic opportunities, but he has no regrets about the path he’s chosen.
For Niko, learning isn’t confined to a classroom, laboratory, or conference. Whether serving as a Learning Facilitator, participating in student organizations, leading campus tours, or conducting research, he approaches every experience with the same mindset: ask thoughtful questions, seek understanding, and never stop exploring.
It’s that relentless curiosity—and his commitment to learning deeply—that continues to define his Michigan Tech journey.
