Mike Zickus, Ph.D., Analytical Chemist

​

Mike obtained his B.S. from Elmhurst College in 2004.  His education continued at Northern Illinois University where he focused on analytical chemistry and mass spectrometry.  He obtained his Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry in 2010.   

Mike worked in an analytical lab for a small energy company called GreatPoint Energy.  Over the course of 8 years, Mike became Senior Analytical Chemist and ran all the instrumentation in the lab related to catalyzed coal gasification.  GreatPoint Energy closed its doors in December of 2019 allowing Mike the opportunity to join Black Dog.  In January 2020, Mike was hired by Black Dog Analytical to bring his instrumentation background and analytical knowledge to the area of grit analysis and wastewater treatment.     

Combined, Jimmie and Mike have over 20+ years of experience in analytical methodology and grit assessment and analysis.  This allows Black Dog Analytical to be the leader in grit solutions across the country.  

Black Dog Analytical Employees​

Jimmie Griffiths, President/CEO

​

Jimmie obtained his M.S. in Entomology from the University of Florida and obtained another M.S. in Zoology from Eastern Illinois University. While at DuPage County Public Works, there became a need for sampling and analysis of grit, which was not well understood and in its infancy.  With a growing need to assess and analyze grit from wastewater facilities, Jimmie and fellow co-worker Dave Book started Grit Solutions LLC in May of 2003.  

2011 saw a restructuring in the company as growth was inevitable.  As a result, Grit Solutions LLC was purchased by Jimmie Griffiths, and Black Dog Analytical, LLC was started in 2011.

Black Dog Analytical has been innovating techniques and technologies associated with grit for over 15 years and leads the country in grit characterization and grit chamber analysis.