Former Socorro resident receives national scholarship

Nicola Roath of Las Cruces has been named the 2025 recipient of the Drug Lawsuit Source Single Parent Scholarship, which recognizes single parents pursuing higher education while raising children.

Roath, who grew up in Socorro, is enrolled at New Mexico State University, where she is working toward a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry after earning an associate degree in psychology. Her academic focus is addiction-treatment research, with an emphasis on improving recovery outcomes through scientific innovation.

Established in 2015, the Drug Lawsuit Source Single Parent Scholarship awards $1,000 each year to a single parent enrolled in a U.S. educational institution. The program is administered by Drug Lawsuit Source, an online medical and legal information resource.

A mother of four, Roath said balancing school and parenting has strengthened her perseverance and sense of purpose.

“Alongside my academic journey, I have raised four children — an experience that has taught me patience, perseverance and determination,” Roath said. “It has reinforced my goal to build a future rooted in compassion and scientific inquiry.”

She hopes to research natural substances that could ease withdrawal symptoms, reduce dependency and support long-term recovery.

Roath’s mother, Gwen Roath, said her daughter’s accomplishments reflect years of hard work.

“My daughter, Nicola, has not had an easy life, and I was pleased when she decided to go back to school,” Gwen Roath said. “She has chosen a career to contribute meaningfully to a better society, and I’m proud she’s being recognized for her efforts.”