Alumni Spotlight: The Nichols

Meet the Nichols, a family of BYU graduates. Mel Nichols graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering and a masters in Structural Engineering and has now retired from his career working in Alaska. Mel’s two sons, Dan and Luke Nichols, both studied engineering at BYU. Dan graduated with a bachelors and masters degree in Civil Engineering and now works as a rural engineer with impoverished communities and their water sewer infrastructures. Luke chose to switch over to studying Political Science at BYU and after graduating got a law degree, practicing criminal defense law. Now, Luke is a professional outdoor adventure YouTuber. The Nichols share how their BYU experience prepared them to follow each of their unique professional paths. They mentioned that the Engineering degree is one of the most flexible things a student can get, making Mel a better business man and giving Luke some experience with math and science that set him apart in the field of law. Skills of writing, communication, and interpersonal skills that BYU specifically fostered for them were applicable as they took advantage of unexpected opportunities. They encourage alumni to remember where the resources came from to give them the opportunities to learn and to give back. They also encourage students to remain flexible and recognize opportunities when they come. The Nichols’ advice: “You need to have plans, and then you need to be flexible as life happens.” More BYU Engineering news: https://engineering.byu.edu/news Find BYU Engineering on social media:   / byuengineering     / byuengineering     / byuengineering