Hi! I'm Nicky Hardy! I am a scientist, mom, and community volunteer. I was born and raised in Perham, and after spending several years living in other states, my husband and I chose to settle in rural Minnesota to raise our three kids. Having lived in so many different places, we had a good idea of what we wanted for our family. Minnesota is a pretty spectacular place and we wanted our children to grow up as Minnesotans.
I was one of those kids who probably watched a bit too much Bill Nye the Science Guy, because from a very early age, I was determined that I was going to end up in the sciences. I set out on that dream and earned my B.A. in Biology and Chemistry (minor in psychology) from MSU Moorhead. I followed that with a Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (Omaha, NE) for my work in using mass spectrometry to understand the immune system in health and disease. I was then recruited to Northwestern University to continue my work in mass spectrometry and the immune system. After my postdoc, I stepped away from the sciences to join my husband on the road and support him in his career, and then to raise our kids. Even though I am no longer in the laboratory, my love of science hasn't gone anywhere!
These days, I spend my time parenting and out in the community. I substitute teach, lead water aerobics, and volunteer with the Crow Wing County Master Gardeners, the Pequot Lakes Community Library, Community Action of Pequot Lakes, AAUW, and the PTA. When I was little, I learned to look for the helpers; now I enjoy being one of the helpers. My commitment to service and volunteerism as well as the friends I've made in this journey inspired my motto: Do good. I hope it inspires you to live your best life and give to your community, too.
I am running for House District 6B because I want our communities to continue to be a premier place to live, visit, and play. I want practical solutions that make life better for rural Minnesotans. I will take an evidence-based approach to public service: Identify the problem, test solutions, implement what works, and communicate those results clearly to the people that matter most -- you. Let's make sure Minnesota stays a place that we can enjoy today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.
Blaine and Nicky
Graduating with a Ph.D. from University of Nebraska Medical Center
