Sam Nichols is a composer and music professor at the University of California, Davis, where he teaches courses in composition, music theory, and electronic music. He holds a Bachelor's degree from Vassar College and a PhD from Brandeis University. His compositional style has been influenced by prominent teachers such as Ross Bauer, Eric Chasalow, Annea Lockwood, and David Rakowski. Over the years, he has received numerous commissions from various ensembles and organizations, including the Fromm Music Foundation and Harvard University. Nichols is also known for collaborating with students and professionals through the UC Davis Sound Lab, a space dedicated to the creation of electronic music and sonic art. His work combines elements of modern composition and traditional musical frameworks, often exploring the interplay between instrumental lines and vocal expressions. He is actively involved in the new music community, having served as a conductor in residence for the Empyrean Ensemble and participating in various music festivals and educational initiatives. Nichols continues to contribute to the field of contemporary music through both performance and education.