Student Spotlight: Nicole Hahn on Diversity in Academics, Community, and Creativity
Get to know Sargent student Nicole Hahn.
Nicole Hahn (SAR ’26) speaks about her experiences at BU as a student balancing academics, creative projects, and the title of Miss Asia USA 2026. She is proud to represent the multidimensional nature of BU students who she says “build impact across disciplines and communities.”
As Miss Asia USA 2026 and formerly Miss Korea USA 2025, she is dedicated to service in cultural advocacy and interdisciplinary education.
She is the founder of Noir, a Korean cultural dance team, has modeled for New York Fashion Week, and has spoken at a TEDxBU Salon. As a content creator, she has amassed over 7 million views with short-form content.
Tell me a bit about yourself.
My name is Nicole Hahn, and I’m from Los Angeles, California. I graduated from BU in 2026 with a degree in Human Physiology and a minor in Public Health
on the pre-dental track. I’m passionate about combining healthcare, artistry, and advocacy through my involvement in research, dance, and community engagement.
As Miss Asia USA 2026, I hope to use my platform to promote representation, advocate for youth mental health, and encourage compassionate and accessible healthcare.
Tell me a bit about your experience at Sargent. Do you have any experiences that have been particularly impactful?
I had a very positive experience at Sargent. I found the learning environment to be very engaging. One course that I particularly enjoyed was Dr. Roberts’ Gross Human Anatomy, which became one of my favorite classes as a Human Physiology major. The lab for this course has deepened my appreciation for the complexity of the human body.
Another memorable experience was the AI project in Pulmonary Pathophysiology. This project explored various AI platforms to accurately depict pulmonary diseases, and I found this experience valuable as it broadened my perspective on future applications of AI in healthcare and physiology.
Beyond the classroom, I completed an internship at a dental office through my Human Physiology internship course, where I gained meaningful hands-on experience in patient care. BU’s strong emphasis on research gave me the opportunity to participate in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), and to present at the annual Evans Day at BU’s School of Medicine. This experience strengthened my scientific writing and presentation skills while preparing me for my future professional career.
You have balanced a busy career in academics, arts, and culture. How have you personally dealt with it all?
During the Fall semester, I was frequently flying back and forth from Boston to Los Angeles for Miss Asia USA, while simultaneously overloading courses at BU. All of my time was devoted to either studying or rehearsing.
Although it was a challenge at times, this experience taught me discipline, adaptability, and time management. I was able to persevere due to my strong sense of purpose, and I was fortunate to have a strong support system.
As you reflect on your four years at BU, how do you hope to move forward into the future?
Throughout my four years at BU, I believe that my experiences have cultivated a diverse set of skills and perspectives. Moving forward, I plan to attend dental school and continue my work as Miss Asia USA. I realize that the experiences that I have pursued both within and beyond the classroom have complemented and strengthened my professional life. Every exam, rehearsal, and challenge has shaped me into who I am today.
I am excited to continue growing in a career centered around serving others through compassionate healthcare, and I am proud to represent the students of Sargent College, whose creativity, ambition, and interdisciplinary thinking continue to inspire me.
Story by Jieun Paik