Class of ’25 Fun Five: Nicholas Duellman ’26

Nicholas Duellman '26
Hometown: Leesburg, Va.
Major:BiologyWhat's next: Pursuing a Master's of Science in fisheries and wildlife science at Virginia Tech

Best thing about Longwood?

I like the tight-knit community, which I know sounds cliché. I never knew how much I would enjoy being able to run into somebody I know at any given moment on campus. This has led to some instances where the entire trajectory of my day changes through a random encounter.

One professor or staff member who you couldn't have done it without?

Professor Jameson Hinkle is a long-time mentor for research and encouraged me to pursue the Senior Thesis Program. He also helped prepare summer research internship applications and graduate school applications.

One unforgettable experience you had at Longwood?

My ornithology class with Dr. Mark Fink, who got me engaged in an area of conservation that I was never previously exposed to. The small class size made it really engaging, and the 6 a.m. field trips during spring migration season provided some unforgettable moments. Taking this course made a permanent mark on my life.

Longwood in three words?

Challenging. Engaging. Supportive.

I am ready for career success because…

The close relationships I've developed with faculty members within my department has given me a strong support system. That is what I believe is unique about Longwood. The one-on-one experience and mentorship from faculty is what encouraged me to continue pursuing projects and my goals.