The goal and passion of her research team is to use the microgravity environment of spaceflight as an innovative research platform to unveil novel cellular and molecular mechanisms directly relevant to disease progression that cannot be observed here on Earth. Nickerson has flown experiments on several Space Shuttle missions, and her team’s work will continue on the International Space Station due to a newly signed Space Act Agreement between NASA and ASU's Biodesign Institute. She is a recipient of the Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal— NASA’s most prestigious commendation for outstanding contributions to science.