Douglas Todd Nichols

Confident in possessing the qualities and skills that make me the ideal candidate for the position. Keen attention to detail and a strong sense of value in all aspects. Able to bring a unique and personable approach to work. Extensive experience in Professional Laboratory work, showcasing expertise in this area. Committed to continuous growth by utilizing acquired knowledge, experiences, and skills. Passionate about finding innovative ways to apply learning for greater success. Eager to discuss credentials and knowledge in more detail and open to answering any questions.

Laboratory professional equipped to lead and optimize lab operations. Skilled in advanced analytical techniques and quality control, ensuring precise results. Strong focus on team collaboration and achievement of operational goals. Known for adaptability and reliability, ensuring seamless workflow in dynamic environments.

Detail-oriented Laboratory Manager highly effective at keeping laboratories running smoothly and efficiently. Knowledgeable about managing supplies, equipment, and facilities. Pursuing new professional challenges with the opportunity to make a positive impact on laboratory operations and research success.

* Material’s Tested : Resin Pellets, Fiber, Yarn, Geotextile Fabric, Furniture Fabric, Asphalt Paving Fabric, Woven Turf Reinforcement Mat, Metal Fence Rods, Metal Fencing, Cardboard Paper Tubes.

* Tests Performed : Mass/Weight, Thickness, Tensile & Elongation, Wide Width Tensile & Elongation, Trap Tear, Puncture, CBR Puncture, Water Flow, Permeability, Permittivity, AOS ( Apparent Opening Size), Heat Shrinkage, Heat Aging, Color Matching, NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance), Flammability, Weathering, Durability, Stability, UV, Barb Micro Testing.

* Mass/Weight = measuring material weight in grams per sq yd , using calibrated certified scales.

* Thickness = measuring the thickness of a specimen using automated thickness device or calipers.

* Tensile & Elongation / Wide Width Tensile & Elongation / Trap Tear = stretching and breaking specimens in a tensile tester or trap tear tester to see the strength and stretchiness in machine and cross machine directions to determine it meets customer specifications.

* Puncture / CBR Puncture = using 2 different force testing machines to push 8mm or 52mm holes in material until rupture simulating waste being compacted in landfills.

* Water Flow / Permeability / Permittivity = collect waterflow properties for certain materials for certain markets to meet customer applicable specifications of water flow through materials using a digital/manual water flow porometer and stop watch’s.

* AOS ( Apparent Opening Size) = this is to determine the largest or smallest holes in geotextile material using tiny glass sphere beads using shakers, beads, material, time, computer, formulas.

* Heat Shrinkage / Heat Aging = Testing material in ovens to determine the amount of shrinkage in distance or the amount of strength/stretch loss over heat aging time.

* Color Matching = testing the true specific colors of produced materials vs a set true color standard using a Color Flex Color Testing Machine.

* NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) = testing fiber to detect the percentage of lube on the material before being processed into material.

* Flammability FMVSS302 = horizontal flammability testing in distance used for measuring the amount of flame retardant lube/additant in the material. This is lube that’s used in our automotive material & mattresses coil spring material to make material not burn excessively in case of a fire.

* Weathering / Durability / Stability / UV = putting materials in an Atlas accelerated weathering machine for X amount of days then re-test the finished tested products vs the original products to determine if they retained a certain percentage of the original strength data.

* Micro Barb Testing = examining before and after pictures of the barbs on the needles used in the machines that make the material. The measurements are based on the size and wear on the barbs before and after usage. The measurements are taken using a microscope and microscope measuring software.

* Specimen’s For Testing = Each specimen will be cut out to an exact ASTM Method Standard using precise cutting tools and machines. The shapes will vary from test to test. The specimens are cut using scissors, cutting die & cutting press , pneumatic scissors , air scissors , heat sheer knife , electric spinning sheers.

* Recycling is a huge part of the company vision for the future. We recycle paper, plastic, metal. Every line and department has its own labeled collection bins that get taken out to the appropriate stations daily. These are picked up by our recycling partner’s on a weekly basis.

• Successfully led the company to 20+ years of compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 17025, AASHTO NTPEP, CE, GAI-LAP, BNQ, KIWA standards & certification requirements.
• Facilitated, mentored, and participated in numerous Kaizen events and Greenbelt projects resulting in cost reductions and Lean Six Sigma certification of other mentees.
• Completed 26+ years with Solmax through many name changes, product changes, and staffing changes.
• Led and completed a Six Sigma Greenbelt cost reduction project at Chattanooga State College, saving the company over $350,000 annually.

Where I may lack in experience in your processes, I shine in my desire for growth. I have, and hope to continue, consistently utilizing my acquired knowledge, experiences, and skills to fuel growth. Always finding ways to harness what I've learned to achieve even greater things is something I am very passionate about. I am eager to discuss my credentials and knowledge in more detail, as well as any questions you may have for me at your convenience.

• CPR/AED Certification
• Six Sigma Green Belt Certification
• ISO 9001-14001-17025 Lead Auditor
• Forklift Certification
• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification
• First Aid Certification
• Georgia Driver's License
• Notary Public

• National Notary Association