Dr. Nolan taught biology at a variety of New York area colleges before joining St. Francis College, including Yeshiva University, Columbia University, Iona College and LaGuardia Community College. She teaches General Biology, Ecology, Genetics and other topics with research focused on environmental biology and aquatic ecosystems. Her dissertation project concerned the genetics of fish populations. She is also very interested in laboratory education, and is on the board of ABLE (the Association of Biology Laboratory Education), the vice-president of the Metropolitan Association of College and University Biologists and the president of the Metro NY Chapter of the Association of Women in Science (Read the Winter 2009 newsletter). She is the current chair of the Biology Department, the moderator of the Pre-Health Sciences Club, and advises students on various career paths.

Media Appearances
TV interview with Brooklyn Review (BCAT) for a story on the health of the Gowanus Canal.