NICK NIMMER BIOSKETCH
B.S. Cum Laude, Engineering Management - Michigan Technological University B.S. Cum Laude, Geological Engineering - Michigan Technological University
GIS, Database and Programming Experience
The focus of my career has been providing GIS, database management, and programming solutions in the engineering consulting field using a suite of software tools. I have developed numerous environmental quality databases for projects such as superfund sites, watershed-wide investigations and regional groundwater models, encompassing all project aspects from initial database design through data conversion and normalization, to development of process utilities and custom applications for data analysis and presentation. I have over a decade of GIS experience applying a variety of software products to provide answers to complex problems. I am skilled in the use of GIS software for data analysis and cartography and have developed custom GIS applications for Windows desktop and internet environments.
Engineering Background
I have experience with diverse aspects of engineering projects including the planning and execution of data collection and sampling programs, validation and interpretation of sample analysis data, and use of GIS tools for data analysis and presentation. I have applied computer modeling to a variety of engineering projects to evaluate remediation alternatives and predict impacts due to groundwater extraction, contaminant releases and storm events. My modeling experience includes local and regional-scale groundwater flow models, soil erosion and runoff modeling, and air dispersion modeling.
RELEVANT PROJECTS
Site Investigation Data Management System - 2006 to 2007. Developed a data management system for a long-term environmental monitoring and remediation project. The system consists of a relational database and custom applications for data import and analysis. The import application provides intuitive wizard-like interfaces for validation, normalization, and import of sample collection data and laboratory EDD files. The data analysis application with built-in GIS capabilities allows project managers and staff to easily create complex database queries using familiar Windows controls and an interactive map window.
Railroad Waste Management Application - 2005. Principal developer of a GIS database application used for management and auditing of Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities contracted for recycling or disposal of all wastes generated by a US Class 1 railroad. The Visual Basic/ESRI MapObjects application allows railroad managers to identify appropriate facilities for waste disposal through an intuitive graphic user interface. Use of the application has helped the railroad minimize environmental liability and transportation costs associated with waste disposal activities and maximize the proportion of wastes that are recycled.
Ecological Modeling Software - 2003. Designed and programmed GIS component of a proprietary ecological modeling software application. The component embeds GIS mapping functionality into the model using ESRI MapObjects, allowing the display of vector and raster data layers and spatial editing within the model thereby eliminating the need for external GIS software. Features include user-customizable layer symbolization and rendering, and multiple feature selection options used in editing the model input data.
Watershed Investigation Project Database - 2000 to 2004. Developed data management and analysis system for litigation support on a watershed-wide water-quality liability case. Managed migration of legacy data files into normalized relational database and further populated the database with datasets obtained from federal, state, and local governments and regulatory agencies, educational institutions, and private studies. Used GIS to resolve discrepancies in sampling station location and naming due to aliases used by multiple agencies. Performed data analysis and verification using GIS integrated with database applications. Developed custom statistics-generation and charting applications used in data analysis and reporting.
Regional Groundwater Model - 1997 to 1999. Managed the project database / GIS solution supporting a regional groundwater flow model. Compiled hydrologic and g'eologic data in a GIS for the 5,400-square-mile study area, including subsurface geology to -8000 feet, construction details for over 2200 wells, and water geochemistry data for approximately 3000 wells, springs and stream gages. Designed and developed a relational database application used throughout the numerical modeling process for data analysis & QA/QC, model dataset creation, and automated production of time-series charts. Produced several hundred maps for modeling tasks, data analysis, and final reporting to the Client and the Department of Interior.
Air Dispersion Modeling - 2005 to 2006. Conducted air dispersion modeling using a variety of numerical models (ISCST3, ISC-PRIME, Calpuff, as appropriate) to predict impacts due to industrial air emissions. Used GIS to prepare model inputs and receptor networks, post-process outputs, and prepare graphics for model output interpretation and reporting.