[3] Nowick received his bachelor's degree from Columbia University in 1985 and his Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1990.
Nowick's group studies molecules that interfere with the formation of these interactions in order to improve understanding of the biochemical mechanisms underlying these diseases.
[5][6] Nowick was a recipient of the Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award from the American Chemical Society in 1998.
[1] Nowick is well known for his interest in undergraduate education, public outreach, and mentorship, particularly of younger LGBT scientists.
He established a seminar course called "Queer Science, Queer Scientists" at UCI,[12] has organized campus panels on topics in LGBT advocacy such as California's ballot measure against same-sex marriage in 2008,[13] and is involved in the Gay and Transgender Chemists and Allies Subdivision of the American Chemical Society.