IUCN SSC Alpine Plant Specialist Group

Education

Stony Brook University - Bachelor of Arts, 1975
Major: Earth and Space Sciences
New York State Regents Scholarship

University of Texas, Dallas - Graduate Studies, 1977-80
Major: Biogeochemistry
 

Oregon State University - Master of Science, 2016
Major: Science Education, Free-Choice Learning

Professional Positions

Research Scientist, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, 2024 - Present

Education Director, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, 2015-2024

Supervisor of Guest Services, Beaver Creek Ski Area, 1999-2004

Native Plant Master Instructor, Colorado State University Extension Agency, 1999 - Present

Trip Coordinator and Backcountry Guide, Paragon Guides, 1996-1998

Basin Modeling Specialist, Mobil Oil Corporation, Dallas, Texas, 1994-1996

Worldwide Exploration Geologist, Mobil Oil Corporation, Dallas, Texas, 1992-1994

Production Geologist, Onshore Texas and Louisiana, Mobil Oil Corporation, Houston, Texas, 1986-1992

Exploration Geologist, Alaska and South America, Mobil Oil Corporation, Dallas, Texas, 1982-1986

Exploration Geologist, West Texas, Sun Oil Company, Dallas, Texas, 1980-1982

Geochemist, Sun Oil Company, Dallas, Texas, 1977-1980

Earth Sciences Instructor, Bellport High School, New York, 1976-1977

Life Sciences, Physical Sciences and Mathematics Instructor, Harborfields Middle School, New York, 1975-1976

Publications

Journal Articles

Guevara, E.H, Grigsby, J.D., Tyler, N., Kuich, N. (1992). Outcrop-constrained characterization of stratigraphic architecture in deltaic gas reservoirs, Lake Creek Unit, Texas Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies Transactions,42, p 507.

Kuich, N. (1990). Seismic and horizontal drilling unlock Austin Chalk. World Oil, 211(3), p 47-54.

Kuich, N. (1989). Seismic fracture identification and horizontal drilling: keys to optimizing productivity in a fractured reservoir, Giddings Field, Texas. Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies Transactions,39, p 153-158.

Working Papers

Ripley, N., Neale, J.R., Kuich, N., Kintgen, M., Hufft, R.A., Schneider, A. (2020. North American Botanic Garden Strategy for Alpine Plant Conservation. Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, Vail, Colorado. 20pp.

Selected Conference and Invited Presentations

“Alpine and Tundra Plants: IUCN Proposed Specialist Group,” IUCN Regional Conservation Forum in the United States, Washington, D.C., August 20, 2024.

“We’re not just pretty gardens!” American Public Gardens Association, Austin, Texas, February 2020.

“Seismic fracture identification and horizontal drilling: keys to optimizing productivity in a fractured reservoir, Giddings Field, Texas,” Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies, Corpus Christi, Texas, October 26, 1989.

Memberships in Associations and Institutional Affiliations

American Public Gardens Association

Colorado Native Plant Society

International Union for the Conservation of Nature

Global Mountain Biodiversity Assessment

The Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries

Nicola is President and CEO of Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. She was the vision behind the North American Strategy for Plant Conservation and  lifelong advocate for alpine plants. She served as President of the American Public Gardens Association and is a member of the Global Partnership for Plant Conservation. She is a native of the UK and graduated with a BS in Biology from York University and a MS in Ecology from the University College of North Wales in Bangor, UK. She now lives in Vail, Colorado, USA.