Publications - Sara Nickel

Publications

Explore a collection of articles I wrote for Oakland University’s Foundations page, highlighting the people, stories and work that make the university community unique. Each piece reflects my approach to storytelling, interviewing and communicating meaningful stories to a wider audience.

6th October 2026

Training Tomorrow’s Investigators - Faculty Showcase - Oakland University

Oakland University’s Criminal Justice program is partnering with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), creating a new opportunity for students to take their academic experience into the federal investigative setting. The partnership, developed by Kimberly Byrd, Director of Field & Student Support for the Criminal Justice Program, will welcome its first cohort in Spring 2027.

27th August 2026

Take the Leap - Alumni Spotlight - Oakland University

From studying in Costa Rica to serving in the Peace Corps, recent OU grad Lillian Lesperance Solomonson always follows her curiosity

25th August 2026

More Than Numbers - Faculty Showcase - Oakland University

Over seven summers, Oakland University Math Corps has become more than a place where students solve equations. It has evolved into a six-week community built on mentorship, encouragement and belonging — one where former campers return as teachers, university students become mentors and mathematicians become a vehicle for changing lives.

Talking into a Career - Alumni Spotlight - Oakland University

Stefen J. Welch, CAS ’05, vice president of public affairs for the Detroit Pistons and a member of the Oakland University Board of Trustees, returned to Oakland University’s campus as part of CAS’ Executive in Residence program to speak with students about his career journey, the value of communication and the importance of community engagement.

20th March 2026

Beyond the Scholarship - Student Success - Oakland University

Mercy Jeffries is living what she calls “a lot of different lives” at Oakland University.

In depth, I explore who she is, what she’s involved in, and how she shows up on campus.

18th February 2026

Education to action - Faculty Showcase - Oakland University

Students at Oakland University heard from professionals across the criminal justice field during “From Classroom To Frontline: Careers Addressing Human Trafficking,” a discussion panel put on by the Criminal Justice Club, which focused on career paths and real-world impact.

14th January 2026

Training with K9s - Student Success - Oakland University

Oakland University’s Criminal Justice program continues to distinguish itself as one of Michigan’s most hands-on, career-focused pathways into law enforcement.