Background
Nichols, Roberta Jean was born on November 29, 1931 in Venice, California, United States. Daughter of Robert Fulton and Winifred Elaine (Vos) Hilts.
Nichols, Roberta Jean was born on November 29, 1931 in Venice, California, United States. Daughter of Robert Fulton and Winifred Elaine (Vos) Hilts.
Bachelor of Science in Physics, University of California at Los Angeles, 1968. Master of Science in Environmental Engineering, University Southern California, Los Angeles, 1975. Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering, University Southern California, Los Angeles, 1979.
She has authored or co-authored over 60 publications and she is the holder of three patents for the flexible-fuel vehicle (FFV). She worked for the Ford Motor Company on alternative fuels for 19 years, retiring in 1995. She helped to establish the research center at the University of California, Riverside and she contributed to the overall engineering program at UCR.
Control system for engine operation using two fuels of different volumetric energy content.
Patent number: 4706629
Control system for engine operation using two fuels of different volatility.
Patent number: 4706630
Spark timing control of multiple fuel engine. Patent number: 4703732
Nichols was a Fellow of the Society of Automotive Engineers.
She was a Fellow of the Society of Women Engineers. She was a University of California at Riverside Civil Engineering-Centre of Excellence for Applied Research & Training Board member.
Precinct worker Republican Party, California, 1972. Fellow Society Automotive Engineers. Member American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Combustion Institute, Society Women Engineers, senior, president Los Angeles section 1972-1973, Achievement award 1988), National Drag Boat Association (chairman 1964-1972, national board directors 1964-1972, president), International Gull Wing Group (president 1977-1978), Sigma Xi.
Married William A. McDonald. Children: Kathleen, Robert. Married Alfred Lynn Yakel, November 2, 1974.