Nichols FSC was established to provide the highest level of technical expertise and unbiased forensic analysis for our clients.
With a foundation built on over 25 years of experience in forensic science, our consultancy specializes in firearms, toolmarks, and crime scene reconstruction. We are committed to laboratory quality standards and technical documentation that meets the rigorous demands of both legal and scientific communities. Our approach is defined by precision, meticulous oversight, and an authoritative visual record of every analytical step.
President and
Firearm and Toolmark
Examiner
Ron Nichols, BS Criminalistics
Ron Nichols established Nichols Forensic Science Consulting in 2017 after a successful career as a criminalist and firearm and toolmark examiner with various local and federal agencies to include the Contra Costa Sheriff-Coroner, Oakland Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Ron spent 33 years in public service and with the establishment of Nichols Forensic Science Consulting he remains committed to excellence from the crime scene to the courtroom with respect to the processing of firearm and toolmark related evidence.
Ron has a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminalistics from the State University College of New York at Buffalo and a master's degree in Church Ministries from Church of God Theological Seminary. He is recognized as a foremost international expert in firearm and toolmark examination and comparison having published two books, authoring chapters in others, and publishing numerous articles in peer reviewed scientific journals with the primary focus being on detailing the scientific foundations of the firearm and toolmark identification discipline. He has been the recipient of multiple awards from both the California Association of Criminalists and the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners.
Throughout his public and private career, Ron has consulted on hundreds of cases for both sides of the bar, including Project Innocence work both in the United States and abroad. In addition, he has worked with agencies needing quality audits of their firearm and toolmark examination unit providing guidance on root cause analysis for errors and establishing a plan for a surer foundation of excellence moving forward.
In addition to his vast forensic science background, Ron brings 20+ years of training and experience in the area of wellness to include emotional, mental, and relationships. Recognizing the importance of these issues for forensic science professionals, Ron has partnered with his wife Jean, presenting workshops on these very topics to the Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners as well as the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors.
With Nichols Forensic Science Consulting and through the Firearm and Toolmark Examiner Training Academy, Ron is committed to building a team of recognized professionals that meet and even exceed his own commitment to excellence in the field of forensic firearm and toolmark examination and comparison. This includes not only the professional education and skill building but also the personal wellness of the individual because both are essential.
Operations Manager and
Firearm and Toolmark
Examiner
Katie Marchio, BS Criminology & Criminal Justice
Katie Marchio graduated from the Nichols Forensic Science Consulting Firearm and Toolmark Examiner Training Academy in 2019 and joined the Academy staff in 2023. Since then, she has been dedicated to supporting the development of future firearm and toolmark examiners through instruction, mentorship, and curriculum development.
Katie has worked for the Omaha Police Department since 2015, holding a variety of administrative roles before joining the Forensic Investigations Unit in 2018. Her experience includes forensic firearm and toolmark examinations, evidence processing, criminal investigations, courtroom testimony, and Daubert hearings involving the admissibility of forensic firearm and toolmark evidence. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice and is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work degree with the goal of becoming a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner.
In addition to her forensic science background, Katie brings valuable experience from the fields of grief counseling, foster youth advocacy, and community mental health. Her education and training in mental health provide valuable insight into the effects of stress, trauma, and burnout, which are increasingly important considerations in forensic science professions. This perspective translates well to the high-stress environments often encountered by forensic practitioners, where attention to detail, sound decision-making, emotional regulation, and professional wellness are essential.
As a member of the Academy staff, Katie is committed to helping students develop both the scientific knowledge and professional skills needed to succeed in the field of forensic firearm and toolmark examination. By combining her experience in forensic science with her education in social work, she strives to create a supportive learning environment that promotes critical thinking, resilience, effective communication, and long-term professional growth. She believes that successful examiners require not only technical expertise, but also the ability to adapt to challenging situations, manage occupational stress, and maintain professionalism throughout their careers.