Nikki Graf is originally from western New York State. She graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Biomechanical Engineering from Cornell University and transitioned into more clinical roles soon after graduating. After working as a Pulmonary Function Tech at Children’s Hospital Boston, Nikki moved to Durham to attend Duke University’s Physician Assistant Program, where she earned her Master of Health Science degree and was inducted into Pi Alpha, the national Physician Assistant Honor Society. Nikki spent a year in surgical spine practice at Duke before coming to work with Dr. Almekinders at NC Orthopaedic Clinic in 2011. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants.