Who Is Nicky?
Born into rural Minnesotan, I grew up in a conservative family that instilled in me the values of compassion, volunteerism, and community. For many years, I identified as a Republican. Yet, like so many others, I feel the Republican Party left me.
My husband, Blaine, and I faced years of financial struggle while I earned my Ph.D. at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and he pursued a career in minor league baseball in the years before MiLB collective bargaining. Living on a lean budget taught us the value of sacrifice and resilience. I share this story for anyone trying to make ends meet—I understand the challenges because I’ve lived them. As prices continue to rise, our representatives in the state capitol and Washington remain distracted by the flashy news of the day, leaving families like ours behind.
Today, I am a mom to three amazing children and serve the Pequot Lakes and Pine River school districts as a substitute teacher. My commitment to Senate District 6 is deeply personal. I’ve experienced the same struggles many families here face—financial hardships, raising children, and striving for better opportunities. I’m running to ensure every family has the chance to thrive in a resilient and vibrant community. I am dedicated to rebuilding trust with voters through transparency, active listening, and collaboration. Legislative deadlocks serve no one; I believe in meaningful governance that prioritizes progress over politics.
My campaign is focused on establishing economic stability, strengthening rural education, protecting children, improving healthcare accessibility and affordability, and conserving Minnesota’s natural resources. I am committed to fighting for equitable funding for rural schools, supporting job creation through infrastructure projects and sustainable energy, and championing healthcare reforms—including expanded mental health resources and programs for veterans.
A note: Every picture on this site was part of my digital gallery and were either taken by me or family and friends, unless noted. I hope you enjoy the glimpse into our lives.
Blaine and I enjoying a dinner out!
The Hardy Family
We love raising chickens! Meet Peep, a Silkie named after the marshmallow treat.
Education
The day I became a Doctor! This was my graduation from the University of Nebraska Medical Center
Presenting my research at the 65th annual American Association of Mass Spectrometry Conference, which brings together over 10,000 mass spectrometrists from around the globe. It was an honor to share my scientific work on the largest stage in the field of mass spectrometry!
2014-2017
Northwestern Univeristy,
Evanston, IL
While At Northwestern University's Department of Chemistry, I led innovative research experiments and played a essential role in laboratory design, budgeting, and management. I specialized in mass spectrometry method development and also worked on advancing data analysis techniques for large, complex datasets. Beyond research, I mentored students at various academic levels and helped support a collaborative and multicultural environment. My work culminated in published manuscripts and impactful scientific contributions.
2009-2014
University of Nebraska Medical Center
(UNMC)
Omaha, NE
In the Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience at UNMC, I conducted mass spectrometry experiments with a focus on understanding the human immune response to viral infection. I helped advance the field of Data-Independent Acquisition of peptides using mass spectrometry and was invited to give a world-wide webinar through AB SCIEX (now, SCIEX) about the strategies I developed. I traveled internationally and domestically to present at scientific conferences, and published findings to advance the field of applications of mass spectrometry.
2004-2010
Minnesota State University Moorhead
(MSUM)
Moorhead, MN
I graduated from MSUM with a Bachelor of Arts (magna cum laude honors) with a double major in Biology and Chemistry with a minor in Psychology. For a time while at MSUM, I pursued the field of education as a life science education major, completing education-specific courses and the coursework needed for head coach certification in Minnesota. I was also involved in research and student organizations.
Recent Volunteerism and Other Activities
Reading "Little Blue Truck's Halloween" to preschoolers as part of a Halloween themed story time program at the Pequot Lakes Community Library.
Here are the CAPL volunteers taking a break to celebrate one of our own receiving the key to the city at the first ever "Saturdays under the Bobber" presented by Pequot Lakes City Hall.
It was a special experience to volunteer with an Early Childhood educator at the weekly CAPL Meat Raffle held at Barajas Mexican Restaurant and sponsored by the Pequot Lakes American Legion Auxiliary. (Phicture from the Community Action of Pequot Lakes Facebook).
CAPL organized a men's coat and clothing drive to benefit the Bridge's for Hope shelter in Brainerd. We gathered two truck beds worth of donated items and delivered them to the shelter.
I was honored to award the 1st annual scholarship for Community Service presented by CAPL at the 2024 Seniors' Award Night at Pequot Lakes High School.
Volunteering on behalf of Community Action of Pequot Lakes (CAPL) at the 2024 Bean Hole Days presented by the Chamber of Commerce was an unforgettable experience! (Picture from the Pequot Lakes Chamber of Commerce Facebook)
2024-present
Substitute Teacher
I am currently serving the Pequot Lakes (ISD 186) and Pine River (ISD 2174) school districts as a substitute teacher with experiences across all grade levels from pre-K to 12 and intervention. I have experience adapting to diverse teaching environments with or without lesson plans. I have built strong relationships with school leadership and staff to enhance student outcomes and elevate my substitute teaching performance.
2024-present
Pequot Lakes Community Library Board
I am currently serving as Library Board President and was Vice President in 2024, both of which are volunteer positions. Our goals as a board are to support the library programs that enhance literacy, lifelong learning, and public engagement. I am committed continual improvement. At present, we are focused on the long-term vision of the library as a space that promotes continual community growth, including the development of spaces that go beyond traditional library use.
2024-present
Pequot Lakes Community Library Volunteerism
I am an active volunteer in library activities, including Story Time programming for preschool aged children and also coordinate the Summer Reading Program. This year, the program features the theme "Full STEAM ahead," with programming activities focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. For the first time, a summer reading challenge is being introduced for all ages, expanding on the success of our winter reading challenge and fostering a love for learning across the community.
Pequot Lakes Community Education Water Aerobics Instructor
As a water aerobics instructor, I create inclusive and engaging classes designed for individuals of all ages and abilities, with a focus on retirees. In developing the course, I used a well-researched - almost scientific approach - to design the sessions in a way that most effectively enhances cardiovascular fitness, balance, mobility, and flexibility. Additionally, I helped to facilitate a supportive environment that would help participants achieve their fitness goals while enjoying the benefits of low-impact aquatic exercise.
2024-present
University of Minnesota Extension Crow Wing County Master Gardeners
I volunteer with the Crow Wing County Master Gardener Program and I have contributed to initiatives like Kids Gardening 101 (G101), which helps inspire children to explore the joys and benefits of gardening. I have also volunteered with the Ideal Community Giving Garden, which provided fresh produce to local food shelves. Additionally, I helped with the seed starting program for patio gardens, which is a program that empower individuals to grow their own food in small spaces. For the 2025 year, I am excited to participate in the University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Seed Trials program, the results of which will contribute to a growing list of top-performing seed varieties that is openly available to gardeners in Minnesota and beyond.
2024-present
2023-present
Community Action of Pequot Lakes (CAPL)
I am an active volunteer with Community Action of Pequot Lakes (Pequot Lakes Community Action), I have contributed to initiatives that have strengthened local engagement and have supported activities that directly benefit the Pequot Lakes community. I have been involved in the recurring Meat Raffle at Barajas on Friday nights, I coordinate the annual $1000 community service scholarship for local area seniors, and participate in events like the Opening Fishing Shopping Block Party, the Pequot Lakes Street Dance, the Trick or Treat Event, and Santa's Bobbin Into Town, and volunteer on behalf of CAPL at other local events like Bean Hole days presented by the Pequot Lakes Chamber of Commerce and Saturdays under the Bobber by the Pequot Lakes City Hall. These events encourage connection, celebrate local traditions, and unify the community.