Nicole White spent sleepless nights in 2004 studying while in the criminology and criminal justice doctoral program at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. A year into the program, she began noticing joint pain and fatigue. White, a 33-year old from Belleville, Ill., states that she initially thought that she was over extending herself with the long study hours. When her condition progressed to her not being able to sit down and get up with out being in pain, she decided to see a doctor. The doctor ran tests on White every three weeks, for six months, until she was finally diagnosed.

In January of 2005, just a week after her birthday, White was diagnosed with Scleroderma, an autoimmune disease of the connective tissue. Scleroderma is rapidly progressing and affects a large area of the skin and one or more internal organs, frequently the kidneys, esophagus, heart and lungs. White was told that the disease was incurable and possibly fatal. “I was scared. They told me right away there were no cures, no treatment and no medication, only experimental things. I didn’t know what would happen. Not knowing was difficult and I received no answers, although I saw several doctors,” White said.

After being diagnosed with Scleroderma, White was still determined to obtain her degree.  White states, “I have never been the type to give up. Although it was hard and the pain was intense, I just had to keep going. I didn’t want to miss out on this opportunity.” Continuing her education was important to White; researching criminology had been a childhood dream.

Throughout the years, White’s disease progressed. As the pain increased, White could not get around without assistance. She moved in with her mom, who also helped her tremendously by getting her to and from school. White states that relying on others was difficult because she was used to being independent. Later on White, having been hospitalized 30 times, had 11 blood transfusions, lost sight in her left eye and become completely immobile.

Still not wanting to give up, even while bed ridden,  White continued to push forward and finished her dissertation titled “The Economy-Crime Relationship Revisited: The Significance of Recent Macroeconomic and Social Policy Changes for Poverty and Youth Violence Trends” from her laptop.

On August 6, 2011, Nicole White participated in commencement at the UMSL. “I was so shocked, I couldn’t believe that I was able to finish. It took a couple days to sink in.  I just kept pushing and trying. At first, I really didn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, but now I’m just happy,” White said, “When people call me Dr. Nicole White, I don’t realize who they’re talking to. It hasn’t registered yet.”

Now that White has obtained her doctoral degree she is looking forward to what is to come. She states, “Although I have limitations, I would love the chance to do independent research. I would welcome that opportunity from anyone.”

White is very appreciative to the faculty UMSL. “When I was diagnosed, the faculty and department supported me all the way. I couldn’t have finished if they were not so patient and understanding. My advisor Janet Lauritsen was good about emailing assignments and working with me. Being able to continue my education gave me purpose and made me feel useful. I didn’t want to feel like a full time patient and I am very grateful to the faculty for their support,” White said.

By: Endea Wilbert, Staff Writer