Undergraduate Spotlight: Anthony Nistico’s Journey of Resilience and Academic Excellence

Navigating college can be tough for any student, but for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), challenges like stress and loneliness can be particularly intense. However, many autistic individuals show incredible resilience and achieve remarkable academic success. We've seen this firsthand with Anthony Nistico, who in 2024, not only thrived in university life but earned dual majors in Physics and Chemistry.

Anthony's journey began in a military family, moving frequently before settling in Fort Riley. At Manhattan High School, he quickly found his stride in STEM courses, excelling in AP classes and building a strong foundation for his future.

At K-State, Anthony initially faced an "educational shock" transitioning from a rigid high school schedule to the greater freedom of college. Yet, he adapted quickly, ending his first term with a perfect 4.0 GPA and engaging actively in department colloquiums. His second year brought a new passion for Chemistry, leading him to pursue a second major.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented a unique set of obstacles, shifting classes online. As a visual learner, Anthony found this particularly challenging, with the lack of engagement and the change of instruction mode. Despite these struggles, he worked diligently with his family and support team, even taking summer courses to stay stimulated.

Eighteen months later, as in-person interactions resumed, Anthony embraced the opportunity to reconnect. He attended events with the reemerging and reinvigorated physics club, which fostered greater social interaction and enjoyed collaborative problem-solving with his peers.

Anthony credits the K-State Student Access Center for his success, highlighting the accommodations that allowed him to thrive with ASD. These included a separate, quiet room for exams, extended time, and permission to photograph instructional materials due to handwriting difficulties. He also appreciated the support and understanding from K-State faculty, specifically mentioning professors Takashi Ito, Chemistry, and Glenn Horton-Smith, Physics.

In spring 2024, Anthony graduated with Bachelor of Science degrees, completing 147 credit hours with a 3.62 GPA. He continues to explore his passions, taking graduate-level biochemistry courses, engaging in physics research in the summer of 2024 and collaborating with Peter Nelson on departmental resources and undergraduate laboratories this summer. He plans to audit a physics graduate course this fall, further deepening his knowledge.

Anthony Nistico is a truly remarkable young man, driven by a deep love for learning, and he eagerly anticipates finding a specialized niche where his unique talents can continue to flourish.