News: IMES Community profile: Nicole Greenwood

IMES Senior Administrative Assistant Nicole Greenwood shares her background and some of her interests. 

Mindy Blodgett | IMES

Nicole Greenwood joined IMES in mid-December, as a Senior Administrative Assistant supporting Alex Shalek in his role as IMES Director. Before coming to IMES, Nicole had worked in a variety of roles, most recently as the Unit Coordinator at Harvard Business School, supporting the Unit Head and other faculty.

Nicole says she is a “West Coast native at heart”, as she grew up in Seattle, Washington. But after spending time here in the Northeast, she has also grown to love Cape Cod.

Because of Nicole’s role, you have likely already met her, or you soon will. Read on to learn more about Nicole.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? 

I was born and raised in the vibrant city of Seattle, Washington. Think coffee culture, evergreen trees, and the Puget Sound— that's my hometown! Growing up, winter weekends often meant hitting the slopes at Stevens Pass for some fantastic skiing— nothing beats fresh powder in the Cascades! My academic journey took me through some interesting twists and turns. I started with a deep dive into the past, earning my BA in History from Washington State University. Then, craving a bit of a different flavor, I headed to sunny Miami and Florida International University for my MS in Hospitality Business Management. For the past nine years, I've been enjoying a new chapter of my life here in the Northeast, experiencing a whole different coast and pace of life. These days, you might find me soaking up the sun on the beaches of Cape Cod, especially in Brewster— it's become one of my favorite summer escapes in New England

Can you tell us something about your professional interests? 

Professionally, I'm fascinated by the intersection of efficient operations and creating positive, engaging environments. I thrive in roles where I can use my organizational skills to make things run smoothly behind the scenes, whether that's streamlining office processes or planning events that bring people together. I'm particularly drawn to industries where I feel like I'm contributing to something meaningful, like my experience in biotech. Ultimately, I'm interested in roles where I can be a supportive force, helping teams and organizations achieve their goals while fostering a positive and collaborative atmosphere

What is the most fun, or interesting job you’ve had?
Without a doubt, one of the most interesting and rewarding was at SQZ Biotech. It wasn't just about the day-to-day tasks; it was the incredible energy and purpose of the place that made it so special. Imagine working alongside brilliant scientists and researchers all laser-focused on tackling cancer— it was truly inspiring! For me, it was a fantastic introduction to the biotech world, and I loved being able to use my organizational skills to support such a vital mission. Plus, on a lighter note, I had a blast bringing some fun into the office by organizing happy hours, company outings, and even costume contests. Let's just say, ensuring we had top-notch snacks and cold brew was also a mission I took very seriously. It was a unique blend of contributing to something profoundly important while also making sure the team had a positive and enjoyable work environment.

What do you enjoy about being at MIT and at IMES? 

What I truly appreciate about being at IMES, and part of the broader MIT community, is the incredible atmosphere of intellectual curiosity and innovation. Being surrounded by brilliant minds— scientists, researchers, and students— who are constantly pushing the boundaries of knowledge is incredibly energizing. There's a real sense of purpose here, a feeling that everyone is working towards something bigger and striving to make a real impact on the world. The higher education environment itself is also very appealing to me; I enjoy the rhythm of learning and discovery that permeates campus life.

Of course, working in such a dynamic and fast-paced environment also comes with its challenges. The sheer volume of groundbreaking research and the intensity of the academic calendar can be demanding, and it requires constant adaptability and a commitment to staying organized. But honestly, I find those challenges stimulating and part of what makes working here so rewarding

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

Outside of work, you'll often find me spending quality time with my furry companions, Homer the dog and Cabot the cat, they definitely keep life interesting and full of cuddles! When the weather warms up, I'm all about soaking up the sun, whether that's relaxing on the beach on Cape Cod or heading out for a camping adventure with friends —I love being outdoors. And in the winter, you can usually find me hitting the slopes in Vermont for some skiing, or if I'm feeling more indoorsy, I'll be in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes— I'm currently on a quest to perfect my Beef Bourguignon.

What is on your bucket list? 

Oh, my bucket list is definitely topped by a dream trip to Italy with my family! I've been picturing us exploring the charming towns of Tuscany, indulging in incredible pasta and gelato, and soaking in the rich history and culture. It's been a dream for a long time, and I've actually been taking Italian lessons on Duolingo for the past two years to prepare. I'm determined to be able to order my own cappuccino and navigate the local markets when we finally get there.

Can you tell us more about the area where you grew up, what makes it distinctive? 

Growing up in Seattle was truly special. What I've always loved about Seattle is its incredible blend of urban energy and natural beauty. You're surrounded by stunning mountain ranges, the Cascades and the Olympics, and it's so easy to escape the city and find yourself hiking in a lush forest or kayaking on a pristine lake within minutes. But beyond the dramatic scenery, Seattle is also distinctive for its incredible park system. From sprawling urban oases like Discovery Park to charming neighborhood green spaces and waterfront parks along Puget Sound and Lake Washington, there's a park for every mood and activity. It really fosters a love of the outdoors and a strong connection to nature, even within a bustling city.