1929
Born to Carrol C. Nicholls and Claire M. Nicholls in Lincoln, Nebraska.
1948
Is a surveyor for the U.S. Geological Survey.
1949
Becomes a survey instrument man for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
1950
Is a lab research assistant for Bituminous and Concrete Materials Research Labs. at the US Bureau of Reclamation Denver Federal Center.
1951
Earns a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the University of Colorado, with high honors.
1951
Works as a concrete materials and metal structures inspector at the Canyon Ferry Dam for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
1952
Earns a Master of Science in civil engineering from Iowa State University in 1952.
1953
Is a design engineer and construction supervisor for the U.S. Army Corps Engineers in Japan and Korea until 1955.
1957
Earns a Doctor of Philosophy in civil engineering from Iowa State University in 1952.
1957
Works as a chief materials engineer and highway design engineer for Gannett & Fleming in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
1958
Marries Ruth Ann Allen.
1959
Teaches as a professor of civil engineering at the University of Delaware.
1960
Works as a geotechnical engineering and construction materials consultant for DuPont until 2006.
1972
Writes “Civil Engineering Systems,” available in English, Polish, and Spanish, and releases the second edition in 2005.
1976
Writes the textbook “Composite Construction Materials.”
1983
Volunteers for Habitat for Humanity International.
1984
Writes the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Structural Plastics Selection Manual.