Keith D. Nickols, BSME

—Forensic Consultant

Professional Profile

Mr. Nickols is a Forensic Consultant with Focus Forensics LLC, bringing over 17 years of experience in the fields of Automotive Systems, Mechanical Systems, Vehicle Dynamics, Accident Reconstruction, Scene Investigations, Vehicle Inspections, Mechanical Engineering, and Forensic Engineering support tasks. His specialized knowledge and expertise in vehicle components and systems is extensive, both from his automotive technician experience and his accident reconstruction forensic engineering background.

While completing his Mechanical Engineering degree studies, Mr. Nickols provides support to the engineering staff at Focus Forensics through a wide variety of tasks including vehicle inspections, roadway documentation, identification and analysis of physical evidence, forensic diagramming and 3D modeling using leading engineering software packages, and the application of proven scientific methodologies and advanced technology for evaluation of the vehicular, roadway, and driver factors in collision scenarios. He has also attended multiple technical schools for automotive repair, and extensive background in automotive diagnosis and repair.

Education

B.S Program in Mechanical Engineering
University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama

A.A. Degree
Florida Southwestern State College Fort Myers, Florida

Technical Degree
BMW STEP, Automotive Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey

Technical Degree
Universal Technical Institute
Exton, Pennsylvania

Licensure and Professional Certification

Certified Bosch Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) Technician

Remote Pilot – Small Unmanned Aircraft System
Federal Aviation Administration

Work Experience

Focus Forensics, LLC
Consultant: 2023-Present

Fischer Forensics Engineering
Accident Reconstruction Technician: 2016-2023

Mintech
Automotive Technician: 2010-2012

Naples Luxury Imports
General Technician: 2010

Mini of Fort Myers
Shop Foreman: 2009-2010

BMW of Fort Myers
Automotive Technician: 2006-2009

Tom Oates Chevrolet
Technician: 2004-2006

Professional Development

Ai2-3D

Zero to Hero in Cloud Compare, 2023

Focus Forensics, LLC

Transportation Engineering and Accident
Reconstruction Insights, 2024
- Human Factors for Driver Response
- Traffic Signal Design and Operation
- Transportation Engineering Sight Distance Standards
- Automotive Mechanical Systems and Data Acquisition
- Photogrammetric Methods
- Video Analysis with Telemetry Data
- LIDAR Scanning and Data Processing
- Virtual Crash Applications for Simulation and Animation
- PC Crash Applications for Steering and Yaw Rate
- Expert Testimony Regulations and Standards
- Commercial Vehicle EDR Data Extraction and Analysis
- Vehicle EDR Systems for Toyota and General Motors
Transportation Engineering and Accident Reconstruction Insights, 2025
- EDR Extraction and Analysis Methods for Video Radar Decision Units (VRDU)
- Acquisition and Analysis Methods for Temporary Roadway Conditions
- LIDAR Scanning and Data Processing
- Air Brake Testing Standards and Techniques
- Heavy Vehicle EDR Extraction and Analysis Methods
- Drone Mapping Techniques and Processing
- Data Processing and Analysis with Cloud Compare
- Photogrammetry Software Methods and Techniques
- Technology for Capturing Photo/ Video Demonstratives of Available Driver Views
- Telemetry Overlay Software Techniques and Processing
- VCrash Animations and Simulations for Pedestrian and Bicycle Collisions
- Monte Carlo Statistical Analysis for Uncertainty Ranges
- Human Factors Analysis of Road User Detection and Response
- Transportation Engineering Design and Limitations for Micromobility Vehicles on Sidewalks
- EDR Vehicle Yaw and Steering Data Simulation, Analysis and Modeling
- Contextual Evaluation of Slow-Moving Lead Vehicle Scenarios and Looming Calculations
- Comprehensive Context Points for Collision Reconstructions

Institute of Police Technology and Management
(IPTM)

Symposium of Traffic Safety, 2017
Bosch Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) Tool Technician
Course, 2018

Lightpoint Scientific, LLC

Advanced Photogrammetry for Collision Reconstruction, 2019
Point Clouds in Collision Reconstruction, 2022

MEA Forensics

PC-CRASH Essentials, 2017

Northwestern University Center for Public Safety

Traffic Crash Reconstruction 1, 2024

PhotoModeler Technologies

PhotoModeler for Collision Investigation, 2023