Student Spotlight: Nathan Cho Combines Research Excellence with Musical Talent
He is intensively involved in research as a student
When Nathan Cho arrived at the University of Pittsburgh as a first-year student, he already knew he wanted to be a high school chemistry teacher. What he didn’t know was that he’d soon become an integral part of a major National Institutes of Health-funded research project and would also showcase his musical talents at one of Pitt’s most recognizable campus landmarks.
Now a third -year student in the David C. Frederick Honors College, Cho is pursuing a dual degree in Teacher Education with a focus in chemistry focus through the School of Education and in Chemistry through the Dietrich School.
His journey into educational research exemplifies the opportunities available to Pitt Education students.
A Cold Email
Cho’s research journey started with him arriving late to a School of Education admissions open house.
“I was literally there when they were cleaning up,” he recalls.
Despite missing the main event, he was connected with an advisor, Sheila Conway, associate professor of practice in the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Leading, who referred him to Professor Cassie Quigley as she was leading a newly-funded NIH research project that matched his interests.
Conway remembers his determination.
“Nathan stands out as an advisee because of his eagerness to learn and embrace new opportunities,” she said. “When I send Nathan announcements about experiences, he responds with curiosity and excitement. Nathan is eager to grow and develop as a future educator.”
Cho sent an email to Quigley inquiring about the project.
Before long, Quigley added Cho on as a researcher in her “EvolvingSTEM” project, a collaboration with the Cooper Lab in the School of Medicine that brings authentic research experiences in evolutionary microbiology to middle and high school classrooms.
Award-Winning Research
Cho’s involvement in the project grew significantly during his three years at Pitt.
As part of the research team, he expanded his knowledge surrounding qualitative and quantitative research methods, conducted surveys and interviews with students across more than 20 Pittsburgh-area schools, and helped analyze how authentic research experiences impact students’ scientific identities—particularly among underrepresented groups.
Cho next worked as a Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation (MSCI) Summer Research Fellow under Quigley’s mentorship while also training public school teachers and learning microbiology techniques in the Cooper Lab. His video presentation, “EvolvingSTEM: A 3D Laboratory Evolution Curriculum,” earned the Best Video Presentation Award at the MCSI Summer Symposium in July 2025.
This fall, he will take on an even more direct teaching role through EvolvingSTEM, helping in the Cooper lab prepping materials and implementing the lab into classrooms.
Academics with Musical Excellence
In addition to his research accomplishments, Cho has artistic talent as a member of the Heinz Chapel Choir. Cho sees music as a release from his more rigorous chemistry coursework.
“I knew I was going to get to a lot of these hard chemistry classes, and I wanted some sort of musical outlet,” he explains.
Music has been a constant in Cho’s life since elementary school, and he picked up the ukulele during the pandemic as a COVID hobby.
Conway, Cho’s advisor, was among those who came out in support of Cho’s artistic endeavors during the 2025 Heinz Chapel Choir spring concert.
“I was delighted to see another dimension of Nathan’s talents,” she said.
A Vision for the Future
Cho remains committed to his original goal: teaching high school chemistry in a public school setting. “At the end of the day, I want to be a chemistry teacher,” he says. “I would love to work in a public school where there are a lot of students who need teachers who can inspire them to go into the sciences.”
Cho is grateful for Quigley’s mentorship despite never having taken one of her courses as a student. “She’s really helped me grow as a researcher, a writer, and as a person in general,” he said. “She’s been there for me every step of the way.”
Quigley is excited to see what comes next for Nathan after his studies at Pitt.
“Nathan is an exceptional student, and I am really looking forward to seeing him become a chemistry teacher,” she said.
Advice for Fellow Students
For undergraduates intimidated by pursuing research opportunities, Cho’s advice is simple: Take advantage of campus events and don’t be afraid to reach out.
“Just be open to talking, and just throw yourself in situations;eat some food,” he said. “People are willing to share their opportunities because of how cool education can be.”
