Ron Nichols graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Criminalistics from the State University College of New York at Buffalo in 1984. He has over 30 years' experience as a firearm and toolmark examiner at the local and federal levels in accredited laboratories.
He is widely published with many publications routinely referenced in published court decisions with respect to Daubert and Frye evidentiary hearings. He is the author of
Firearm and Toolmark Identification: The Scientific Reliability of the Forensic Science Discipline available through Academic Press and
Building a Preventive Crime Gun Strategy available through Ultra Electronics Forensic Technology. He is a contributing author to other texts as well. He is internationally recognized as one of the leading experts in communicating the scientific foundations of the firearm and tool mark discipline to both technical and lay audiences providing training and consultation nationally and internationally, including on behalf of the United Nations.
He has leveraged over 20 years of experience developing training curricula, modules and workshops and providing training in various national and international venues for new and experienced firearm and toolmark examiners and technicians to open the Nichols Forensic Science Consulting Firearm and Toolmark Training Academy, providing remote and on-site training for firearm and toolmark examiners since 2017.
A good portion of his success in training new examiners (over 80 from 18 different agencies worldwide) lies in understanding the underlying emotional and motivational needs from many different segments of law enforcement. In this increasingly important area of emotional intelligence and application, Ron and his wife Jean have received on-going training for over 15 years, guiding couples and families in the application of these principles in their relationships. Ron is also partnered with others with whom he has worked in teaching these principles to businesses as well. These are the relational principles that are at the foundation of the Academy giving it a very unique and distinctive flavor setting it apart from other forensic training organizations.
