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Professional Engineer, LEED Accredited Professional, Certified

Fire and Explosion Investigator, and consultant, with 35 years of experience in the responsible

charge of planning, designing and constructing facilities for manufacturing, commercial,

chemical and heavy industrial use. His experience as a design principal and project executive

includes project development, facility siting and design, building/process design and

construction, code compliance, high pressure piping and vessels, energy and utility systems,

ventilation, air pollution control, HVAC, structural engineering, and bulk material handling.

These activities have involved all phases of conceptual planning, design engineering and

procurement, construction and erection, safety and OSHA compliance.

 

In addition to direct engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) background, he also maintains expertise in complex systems and equipment failure analysis, accident

reconstruction, process hazard and risk assessment, thermal and stress analysis, fire and

explosion investigation and construction claims consulting. His investigations include boiler,

piping and pressure vessel failures and explosions, structural failures and collapses, and

equipment fires and explosions.

 

 

 

Academic Background

 

  • University of Dayton, Dayton, OH, Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering – 1975



  • University of Dayton, Dayton, OH, Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering – 1976


 

 

 

Continuing Professional Education

 

  • International Building Code

  • International Mechanical Code

  • Ohio Building Code

  • Ohio Fire Code

  • Chemical Plant Safety

  • Construction Contracts and Claims

  • Soils Engineering

  • Forensic Structural Engineering

  • LEED/Sustainable Design

  • Geothermal Heating and Cooling

  • Alternative Power Systems (Wind/Solar)



  • Industrial Ventilation



  • Air Pollution Control

  • OSHA Industry and Construction Standards

  • NFPA Standards

  • ASHRAE Standards



  • ASME/API Standards


 

 

 

Registrations and Licenses

 

Registered Professional Engineer

  • Ohio (#E-45495)

  • Pennsylvania (#PE030901E)

  • Indiana (#PE60860020)

  • New Jersey (#24GE0310390)

  • Maryland (#20422)

  • Kentucky (#12447)

  • Illinois (#062049798)

  • West Virginia (#21867)


 

US Green Building Council

  • LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP BD+C, #10559218)


 

National Association of Fire Investigators

  • Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI, #20975-11927)


 

 

 

Professional Associations and Activities

 

  • Member, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

  • Member, National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)

  • Member, American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)

  • Member, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers


(ASHRAE)

  • Member, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

  • Member, American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE)

  • Member, National Society of Professional Insurance Investigators (NSPII)

  • National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI)

  • Member, American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

  • Member, American College of Forensic Examiners (ACFEI)

  • Member, American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), E58 Committee on Forensic Engineering Standards



  • Board Member – Unified Board of Building Appeals, Dayton/Montgomery County, OH


 

 

 

 

Professional Experience

 

  • RTI Group, LLC, Annapolis, MD, Senior Engineer – Complex Failures/Fires/Explosions, 2017 - present.


 

  • Engineers, Inc., Dayton, Ohio, Principal & Managing Partner 1996 – present.


 

  • Ferguson – QEI, Ltd., Limited Liability Design-Build Partnership


Ferguson Construction, Inc./QEI Engineers, Inc., Sidney, Ohio

Vice President, 1996 – 2006

 

  • HOK/K Industrial (LLC Venture –Kajima, Inc. /HOK Architects)


Miamisburg, Ohio, President and Chief Operating Officer, 1994 – 1996

 

  • QSource Engineering, Inc., Miamisburg, Ohio


President and Chief Executive Officer, 1984 – 1994

 

  • Bruce Menkel and Associates, Inc., Franklin, Ohio


Chief Engineer,1979 – 1984

 

  • University of Dayton Research Institute, Dayton, Ohio


Applied Physics Division/Impact Physics Group,

Research Engineer, 1976 – 1979

 

  • University of Dayton Research Institute, Dayton, Ohio


Aero-thermal Research Group,

Graduate Research/Teaching Assistant to Dr. Louis I. Boehman, PE

Emphasis – Thermodynamics, Combustion, Gas Dynamics, 1975-1976

 

 

 

 

 

Codes and Standards Experience

 

  • International Building Code (IBC)

  • International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)

  • International Mechanical Code (IMC)

  • International Plumbing Code (IPC)

  • International Fire Code (IFC)

  • International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC)

  • ASHRAE 90.1 – Energy Standard for Buildings

  • ASHRAE 62.1 – Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality

  • NFPA 13 – Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems

  • NFPA 30 – Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code

  • NFPA 30A – Standard for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities

  • NFPA 30B – Standard for the Storage of Aerosol Products

  • NFPA 53 – Recommended Practice on Materials, Equipment, and Systems Used in Oxygen-

  • Enriched Atmospheres

  • NFPA 54 – National Fuel Gas Code

  • NFPA 55 – Compressed Gases/Cryogenic Fluids Code

  • NFPA 68 – Guide for Deflagration Venting

  • NFPA 70/79 – National Electric Code/Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery

  • NFPA 85 – Boilers and Combustion Systems Hazards Code

  • NFPA 86 – Standard for Ovens and Furnaces

  • NFPA 86C – Standard for Ovens and Furnaces/Special Processing Atmospheres

  • NFPA 86D – Standard for Ovens and Furnaces/Vacuum Processing

  • NFPA 91 – Standard for Exhaust Systems/Vapors, Gases, Mists, Particulates

  • NFPA 654 – Standard for Fire/Dust Explosion Prevention From Particulate Solids

  • NFPA 921 – Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations

  • UL 1278 – Standard for Moveable and Wall-or-Ceiling-Hung Electric Room Heaters

  • OSHA 1910/1926 – Industrial/Construction Safety Rules

  • ASME Section I – Rules for the Construction of Power Boilers

  • ASME Section VIII – Rules for the Construction of Pressure Vessels

  • ASME B30.5 – Mobile and Locomotive Cranes

  • ASME B31.1 – Pressure Piping Code

  • ASME B31.3 – Process Piping Code

  • ISO 4414 – Pneumatic Fluid Power

  • API 570, API RP 574 – Refinery Piping Inspection

  • API 941 – Steels for Hydrogen Service

  • API 936 – Refractories

  • ASSE A10 – Construction and Demolition Safety Standards



  • Ohio School Design Manual


 

 

 

Representative Project Engineering Experience

 

  1. Principal engineer for 750 PSIG, 1100F, 20,000 SCFM process compressed air supply piping system, USAF, Wright Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH

  2. Project engineer for plant-wide corporate/industrial facilities design & construction, General Motors Corporation parts and assembly divisions, Dayton, OH, including boilers, chillers, pneumatic power, electroplating and hazardous chemical handling, ventilation, and process heating systems

  3. Delco Products Division – Design of new 6,000 SCFM, 120 PSIG power house

  4. compressed air system with dryers, cooling towers pumps and controls

  5. Delco Products Division – Design of plant-wide compressed air distribution

  6. system upgrades and components for various pneumatic applications; air pumps,

  7. tooling, power presses, and equipment actuation

  8. Delco Products Division – Design of venting and exhaust systems for boilers,

  9. high temperature combustion processes, hazardous chemical processes

  10. GM Moraine Assembly Plant – Design of compressed air systems and equipment for plant-wide process and pneumatic tooling applications

  11. GM Moraine Assembly – Design of venting and exhaust systems for boilers, high temperature combustion processes, hazardous chemical processes

  12. Delco Moraine Division – Design of compressed air systems, exhaust and venting systems for plant-wide production processes, boilers and hazardous chemical processes

  13. Inland Division – Design of plant-wide exhaust and venting systems for boilers, high temperature combustion processes and hazardous chemical processes


 

  1. Project engineer for various plant-wide upgrades to utility services for USDOE Mound Laboratories, Miamisburg, OH, including:

  2. New 85,000 #/hr, 125 PSIG, gas-fired, D-type steam boiler

  3. Replacement gas burner and control upgrades for a 60,000 #/hr, 125 PSIG steam A-type steam boiler.

  4. 1000 ton centrifugal chiller and cooling tower

  5. 600 CFM, 120 PSIG compressed air, breathing-air system

  6. facility-wide condensate handling systems


 

  1. Principal Engineer for a new 100 TPD sodium hypochlorite manufacturing plant, Fairborn, OH, including:

  2. Chlorine rail car RR siding, offloading and piping facilities

  3. Sodium hydroxide trailer offloading and piping facilities

  4. Bleach plant mixing equipment

  5. Process cooling systems and cooling towers

  6. Plant-wide compressed air systems, 600 SCFM, 120 PSIG

  7. Product storage tanks and outdoor storage facilities

  8. Product truck loading and scale facilities


 

 

  1. Principal Engineer for evaluation, code assessment, corrective measures for eleven (11) large industrial, high temperature, compressed air autoclaves and related piping, 200 PSIG @ 240 F, Fuyao America Glass, Moraine, OH


 

  1. Principal Engineer for the design of (3) high temperature (120F)/high humidity (90%) curing rooms, with 600 #/hr. gas-fired steam evaporators, 12,000 CFM air recirculation units, balanced ductwork and engineered supply air devices, Fuyao America Glass, Moraine, OH


 

  1. Principal consulting engineer for evaluation of Slab Re-Heat Furnace gas burner safety upgrades, venting and controls, AK Steel Corporation, Middletown Works, Middletown, OH


 

  1. Principal engineer for the design and construction of a 2000 ton (refrigeration), central plant, ammonia refrigeration system, Freshway Foods, Inc., Sidney, OH


 

  1. Project executive and principal engineer for the design of a bio-solids, rotary lime kiln, thermal oxidation plant, Butler County Division of Solid Waste Management, Butler County, OH


 

  1. Principal engineer for upgrades to 450,000,000 BTUH, 2900F cement kiln natural gas burners, piping and venting, system and process control system, CEMEX, Inc., Fairborn, OH


 

  1. Principal engineer for upgrades to direct gas-fired, cement kiln air pre-heater system, including piping and controls, CEMEX, Inc., Fairborn, OH


 

  1. Principal engineer for the design and erection of feeders, conveyors and 70’ tall storage silos for slag handling and cement kiln-feeding system, CEMEX Inc., Fairborn, OH


 

  1. Principal engineer for the design and erection of emergency structural repairs to 65’ tall cement storage hopper containing 280,000 lbs of cement product, CEMEX, Inc. Fairborn, OH


 

  1. Principal engineer for upgrades to 100,000 CFM, cement clinker and fines dust collection system, including multi-level structural repairs to the 120’ tall kiln tower, CEMEX Inc., Fairborn, OH


 

  1. Principal engineer for endoskeleton-type structural repairs to 10’ diameter, 65’ tall, cement kiln process exhaust stack located at 110’ above grade, CEMEX, Inc., Fairborn, OH


 

  1. Principal engineer for the design of a natural gas, methane/steam hydrogen reforming and catalytic NOx absorption emission control system for a 10 MW gas turbine/cogeneration installation, Wyeth Biopharma, Andover, MA


 

  1. Principal engineer for the design of a methane/steam hydrogen reforming and catalytic NOx absorption emission control system for a 50 MW gas turbine/cogeneration installation, Redding Electric Utility/EmeraChem, Redding, CA


 

  1. Principal consultant for the design and construction of a waste oil-to-biodiesel/glycerin refinery, Jatro Diesel, Inc. Miamisburg, OH


 

  1. Principal engineer for the development of a high temperature, hydrogen annealing safety procedures and documentation program, Brite Gas Annealing, AK Steel Corporation, Middletown Works, Middletown, OH


 

  1. Project Executive for plant design/construction and plastic extruder systems design/installation and erection of bulk storage and handling facilities, Advanced


Composites, Inc. (Mitsui Plastics, Inc), Sidney, OH

 

  1. Principal consultant for the design of a soy bean oil-to-biodiesel/glycerin manufacturing facility, CTS Energy, London, OH


 

  1. Project Executive and principal engineer for the design and construction of a $60MM sodium erythorbate chemical production plant, PMP Fermentation Products (Fujisawa Pharmaceuticals), Peoria, IL


 

  1. Project Executive for plant and process design, construction and erection activities for a hydrogen cyanide (HCN) heat-treating facility, including boilers, utilities and hazardous systems, Nihon Parkerizing, Inc. (Trutec USA), Springfield, OH


 

  1. Principal engineer for a 350,000 CFM selective catalytic reduction (SCR) control system for the treatment of NOx in quartz processing air emissions, including erection design of 75’ tall exhaust stack, General Electric Quartz, Durr Environmental, Newark, OH


 

  1. Principal engineer for the design of a selective catalytic reduction/NOx emission control system for a petrochemical processing facility, Sam Nam Petrochemical (Engelhard Corp), Seoul, Korea


 

  1. Principal engineer for the design of a calciner high temperature catalytic thermal oxidizer system, and related plant utilities, for a specialty chemical manufacturer, Mobil Chemical Company (Engelhard Corp), Beaumont, TX


 

  1. Principal engineer for the design and erection of modifications to the 110’ tall catalytic CO emission control reactor frame for the 240 MW Crockett Cogeneration Facility, Engelhard Corp., Crockett, CA


 

  1. Principal engineer for the design and erection of a 110’ tall, catalytic reactor frame, 500 MW primary power generation facility, Arizona Public Power (EmeraChem, LLC), Phoenix, AZ


 

  1. Principal engineer for structural and process upgrades to styrene monomer reactor system, piping and controls, Deltech Polymers, Inc., Troy, OH


 

  1. Principal engineer for the design and construction of a 120,000 gallon above ground, Class 1B flammable solvent storage tank facility with piping, controls and secondary containment, Textileather, Inc., Toledo, OH


 

  1. Principal engineer for boiler plant/building upgrades to 22 school buildings, Dayton Public School System, Dayton, OH


 

  1. Project executive for the design and construction of a 600,000 SF automotive fasteners plant, Indiana Automotive Fasteners, Greenfield, IN

  2. Principal engineer for 15,000 CFM fumed silica/carbon black powder mixing and blending system, Inland Division, General Motors Corporation, Dayton, OH


 

  1. Principal engineer for 40,000 CFM asbestos and talc dust exhaust and collection systems, and direct gas-fired curing ovens, Lear Automotive, Danville, KY.


 

  1. Principal engineer for the design and erection of a 140’ tall, 8’ diameter exhaust stack for a foundry dust collection system, Ravenna Foundry, Ravenna, OH


 

  1. Principal engineer for the design of a 75’ high foundry dust-collection system exhaust enclosure for a large vacuum casting process, A&B Foundry, Inc, Franklin, OH


 

  1. Principal consulting engineer, design and construction of beverage waste, biologicalwastewater treatment facilities, Pepsi, Inc., Russia, China, Rumania, United States


 

  1. Principal engineering consultant for hazardous liquid piping safety and related systems risk assessments, new manufacturing facility, Amylin Pharmaceuticals, West Chester,OH


 

  1. Principal engineer for the design of a new industrial wastewater pre-treatment facility, beverage manufacturing, Pepsi Bottling, Pennsauken, NJ


 

  1. Principal engineer for the design of a new, hazardous material, metals surface treatment facility, General Electric Company, Alpha, OH


 

  1. Principal engineer for the design and construction of a new bulk sodium hydroxide (NaOH) rail car offloading and transfer facility, Fairborn, OH


 

  1. Principal engineer for the design of propylene glycol-based cooling systems for high velocity, electromagnetic rail-gun projectile launcher and support components, Naval Warfare Support Center, Dahlgren, VA


 

  1. Principal engineer for the design/build construction of $3.8MM in HVAC system revisions and upgrades to Centerville High School, including new hot water boilers, a new water chiller plant, cooling towers, new air handling units and new VAV boxes, Centerville Public School System, Centerville, OH


 

 

Representative Expert & Forensic Investigation Experience

 

  1. Investigation and reconstruction of a high pressure steam separator explosion in the powerhouse of an aircraft components manufacturer, resulting in a single fatality, Cincinnati, OH (Plaintiff’s Expert)


 

  1. Investigation of corrosion induced heat exchanger failures for a mechanical vapor recompression based ethylene glycol recovery system at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport (Defense Expert)


 

  1. Investigations of a residential fire resulting from improper installation of a fireplace insert, gas piping and chimney construction, Ft. Mitchell, KY (Plaintiff’s Expert)


 

  1. Investigation and reconstruction of a catastrophic tube failures in two high pressure, 600 HP, steam boilers (Precision Boilers) in a large fabric manufacturing facility, Elkin, NC (Plaintiff’s Expert)


 

  1. Investigation and reconstruction of a high temperature HVAC hot water system


explosion, resulting in extensive property damage, USAF, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH (Plaintiff’s Expert)

 

  1. Investigation of a coal furnace/ gas conversion burner defect resulting in excessive levels of carbon monoxide (CO), and significant personal injury, New Philadelphia, OH (Defense Expert)


 

  1. Investigation of a gas furnace defect resulting in excessive levels of carbon monoxide


(CO), and multiple fatalities, Cleveland, OH (Defense Expert)

 

  1. Investigation and reconstruction of a steel mill coke oven gas line explosion and fire


with multiple fatalities, Bethlehem Steel, Burns Harbor, IN (Defense Expert)

 

  1. Investigation and reconstruction of a residential oil furnace explosion with personal


injury, Ashland, OH (Defense Expert)

 

  1. Investigation and reconstruction of an industrial ladder fall accident resulting in serious


personal injury, Cincinnati, OH (Defense Expert)

 

  1. Investigation of the construction site failure of pile casting machinery, resulting in


serious personal injury, Pittsburgh, PA (Defense Expert)

 

  1. Investigation and reconstruction of a construction site structural failure involving


erection of a pre-engineered steel building and alleged crane operator error, resulting in

serious personal injury, Maysville, KY (Defense Expert)

 

  1. Investigation of a natural gas explosion for a Hamilton, OH residence resulting in


extensive property damage (Plaintiff’s Expert)

 

  1. Investigation and reconstruction of a fatal, 600 HP high pressure steam boiler explosion


with multiple fatalities at a LaPorte, IN rubber products manufacturer (Defense Expert)

 

  1. Investigation of a refrigerated ammonia release from a food processing, scraped surface


heat exchanger, resulting in a single fatality, Chicago, IL (Plaintiff’s Expert)

 

  1. Investigation and reconstruction of a multiple fatality, guyless derrick crane structural


collapse, involving alleged operator error, during the construction of a 500,000 gallon,

130’ tall water tower, Granville, NC (Plaintiff’s Expert)

 

  1. Investigation of design and construction defects/change orders for roofing, HVAC and


related systems in (2) elementary and (1) high school construction projects totaling

$50MM of construction, Dayton Public School System, Dayton, OH (Plaintiff’s Expert)

 

  1. Investigation of design and construction defects in a municipal water park requiring


complete demolition and reconstruction, Covington, KY (Defense Expert)

 

  1. Investigation of design and construction deficiencies for a municipal water treatment


facility, City of Lancaster, OH (Plaintiff’s Expert)

 

  1. Investigation and reconstruction of an explosion, electrical fire and attendant structural


failure in the dust collection system of a large metal shredding operation, Gaylord, MI

(Defense Expert)

 

  1. Investigation and reconstruction of carbon monoxide concentrations from welding


activities, including ventilation/building-code compliance effects, in a 100,000

square-foot commercial food freezer warehouse, $42MM personnel injury claim, Asher

et al v Unarco Material Handling, London, KY (Defense Expert)

 

  1. Process consulting and hazard analysis for alleged mechanical integrity defects in six (6)


refinery hydrodesulphurization reactors, and related process piping, $50MM damage

claim, ExxonMobil vs. Doosan Heavy Industries and Fluor Corporation, Houston, TX

(Defense Expert)

 

  1. Process consulting and hazard analysis for alleged mechanical integrity defects in a


refinery fired process heater, resulting in a personal injury to a contract inspector, Valero

Energy Corp, Delaware City, DE (Plaintiff’s Expert)

 

  1. Investigation and reconstruction of a dual fatality structural roof assembly collapse


during the construction of a steel mill electric arc furnace (EAF), involving construction

defects and alleged crane operator negligence, Ghent, KY (Defense Expert)

 

  1. Expert technical services for cement kiln drive system, reverse-rotation, over-speed


explosion resulting in serious personal injury, Paulding, OH (Plaintiff’s Expert)

 

  1. Expert technical services for a ready-mix concrete plant material handling accident


resulting in serious personal injury, Fort Mitchell, KY (Plaintiff’s Expert)

 

  1. Investigation and reconstruction of design and construction defects in a hospital


emergency power facility, resulting in significant negative pressure and collapse of

masonry partition walls, Atrium Medical Center, Middletown, OH (Plaintiff’s Expert)

 

  1. Expert technical services for design and construction defects/change orders for a new,


$50 MM multi-story elderly care facility, Columbus, OH (Plaintiff’s Expert)

 

  1. Investigation and reconstruction of a back-flow preventer failure and resultant electrical


fire in the 30-story Kettering Tower office building, resulting in $10MM of damage,

Dayton, OH (Defense Expert)

 

  1. Investigation and reconstruction of a blast furnace gas explosion incident involving


multiple personal injuries, Republic Engineered Products, Lorain, OH (Plaintiff’s

Expert)

 

  1. Expert technical services for design and construction defects related to HVAC system


failure in a large hospital data center, resulting in $5 MM of computer damage

(Plaintiff’s Expert)

 

  1. Expert technical services for a $20 MM design and construction defect arbitration claim


for a new 100 TPD, chlor-alkali/bleach/chloropicrin manufacturing plant, Hamlet, NC,

(Claimant’s Expert)

 

  1. Expert technical services and accident reconstruction related to a high temperature, high


pressure glycerin piping system release, with attendant personal injury, Procter &

Gamble Company, Cincinnati, OH (Defense Expert)

 

  1. Expert technical and reconstruction services for a long-term, residential carbon


monoxide poisoning (CO) claim, Milford, OH (Plaintiff’s Expert)

 

  1.  Expert technical and reconstruction services for an automotive repair facility, carbon


monoxide poisoning claim (Defense Expert)

 

  1. Expert services for a bad-faith insurance claim involving mechanical equipment damage,


loss of building heating capability, and substantial freeze-related water damage,

resulting in $3.5MM in monetary damages, Cleveland, OH (Plaintiff’s Expert)

 

  1. Expert technical and reconstruction services for a coke-oven gas explosion and fire at a


major US Steel coke producer involving multiple personal injuries and extensive

property damage, US Steel, Clairton, PA (Plaintiff’s Expert)

 

  1. Expert technical services for an administrative appeal of OSHA Willful Violations


regarding Mechanical Integrity testing in large US refinery, BP Products North America,

Oregon, OH (Appellant’s Expert)

 

  1. Expert technical services for HVAC design and construction defects, renovated 120,000


square foot elementary School, Southeast Local School District, Ravenna, OH, (Defense

Expert)

 

  1. Expert technical services for HVAC design and construction defects, new 115,000 SF


elementary school, New Lexington City Schools, New Lexington, OH (Plaintiff’s

Expert)

 

  1. Expert technical services for fire protection sprinkler piping and roof defects, in a new


45,000 SF public library, Geauga County Public Library, Geauga County, OH (Defense

Expert)

 

  1. Expert technical services for $11.5MM claim for design and construction defects


involving a new roof, and ground source heat pump HVAC system in a 187,000 SF

vocational school, Greene County Career Center, Greene County, OH (Plaintiff’s

Expert)

 

  1. Expert technical services for a dual fatality, multiple injury, explosion and fire in a zinc


reflux recovery column and furnace, Horsehead Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA (Plaintiff’s

Expert)

 

  1. Expert technical services for hot water and HVAC system code-related construction


defects in a newly constructed, 5-story residential building for disadvantaged women,

YWCA of Greater Toledo, Toledo, OH (Plaintiff’s Expert)

 

  1. Expert technical services for a single fatality, multiple injury, structural roof collapse in


a food processing facility, Fremont Corporation, Fremont, OH (Defense/Plaintiff’s

Expert)

 

  1. Expert technical services for a refinery piping failure, explosion and fire resulting in


multiple fatalities and property damage, ExxonMobil Corporation, Baton Rouge, LA

(Plaintiff’s Expert).

 

  1. Expert technical services for a structural building slab failure resulting from the use of


expansive steel slag as base course material, Youngstown, OH (Defense Expert)

 

  1. Expert technical services for a total-loss restaurant fire resulting from a defective gas


water heater flue vent, Toledo, OH (Defense Expert)

 

  1. Expert technical services for $2MM in claims resulting from design negligence and


construction defects in the construction of a new, specialty laboratory gas system,

University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN (Plaintiff’s Expert)

 

  1. Expert technical services for premature corrosion failures in (6), 200,000 lb/hr high


pressure steam boilers, (2) deareators, and related equipment for a large medical center,

Dallas, TX (Plaintiff’s Expert)

 

  1. Expert technical services for $1MM in claims in the KFC/YUM! Center, Louisville,


KY, involving construction defects and related water damage to the main computer

server equipment (Defense Expert)

 

  1. Expert technical services for design and construction defects in a new steel slag recovery


facility, Calvert, AL (Claimant’s Expert)

 

  1. Expert technical services for a residential natural gas explosion, fire and fatality,


Wheeling, WV (Defense Expert)

 

  1. Expert technical services for a medical oxygen-related residential fire, explosion and


fatality, Knoxville, TN (Plaintiff’s Expert)

 

  1. Expert technical services for an industrial accident involving compressed air equipment


in an automotive industry component plant, Chicago Heights, IL (Plaintiff’s Expert)

 

  1. Expert technical services for an automobile/freight train collision on a private grade


crossing, California, KY (Defense Expert)

 

  1. Expert technical services for an elevator fire and fire-related damage at a senior assisted


living facility, Worthington, OH (Defense Expert)

 

  1. Expert technical services for an automotive vehicular fire, Cincinnati, OH (Defense


Expert)

 

  1. Expert technical services for a natural gas-fired, refinery charge heater explosion and


fire, Continental Refining, Somerset, KY (Plaintiff’s Expert)

 

  1. Expert technical services for a boiler room, carbon monoxide fatality, Metropolitan


Square, Des Plaines, IL (Defense Expert)

 
Aviation Safety, Accident Investigation and Reconstruction Consultant and has in excess of thirty years of safety experience as a professional pilot, safety engineer/director, and air safety investigator.  Holds an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) and a Certified Flight Instructor Certificate (Airplane Single, Multi-engine and Instrument).  A licensed Professional Engineer and Certified Safety Professional who specialized in aviation/airline safety, accident investigation and reconstruction, industrial safety, forensic investigation, product safety, system safety, automotive crashworthiness, railroad crossing collision investigations and reconstruction, and airport and aircraft security.

 

Has provided expert testimony as to his findings in courts of law.

 

 

Academic Background

 

Completing Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Northcentral University, Business Administration with a specialization in Aeronautical Science Management (Safety) – completed 30 graduate hours in Management, will graduate June 2012.

 

Master of Aeronautical Science Degree, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, May 2000.  Specialization: aviation, system and industrial safety, risk management, regulatory compliance and human factors as related to the aerospace industry.

 

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Physics, University of Texas at Austin, August 1983.  Curriculum background in electricity and magnetism, wave motion and optics, classical dynamics and electrodynamics, quantum mechanics, nuclear physics, thermodynamics, and electronic design techniques; first Minor: Mathematics - background in advanced calculus, differential equations, vector calculus, linear algebra and matrix theory, Fourier analysis and Laplace transforms, Vector and Tensor analysis; second Minor: Engineering. Background in the engineering sciences and computation.

 

Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautical Engineering, Arizona State University, May 1974.  Curriculum background theoretical and practical applications in the areas of aerospace structures, aircraft design, aerodynamics, applied thermodynamics and mechanics, propulsion systems, combustion analysis, manufacturing processes, quality standards, aviation and industrial safety, aircraft accident investigation, computer science, and management.

 

 

 

Supplementary Training

 

  • Advanced Accident Investigation Course, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU)

  • Aviation Safety Program Management Course, ERAU

  • Human Performance in Aviation Course, ERAU

  • Bloodborne Pathogen Training for Aircraft Accident Investigators, FAA-TSI

  • Aircraft Accident Investigation Course; National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

  • System Safety & Reliability Course; University of Washington

  • Underwriters Laboratories Plastic/Flammability Seminar

  • Product Safety Certification Course; EMXX Inc.

  • International Product Safety Seminar; EMACO, Inc.

  • Industrial Safety/Hygiene & OSHA Regulation Course; Transamerica Insurance Co.

  • Hazardous Waste Operations & Emergency Response; HGL Training Group

  • Hazardous Materials Shipping Course; Flying Tigers Airline

  • Defensive Driving Instructor's Course; National Safety Council

  • 3-D Driving Instructor's Course; Hartford Insurance Co.

  • First Aid/CPR Instructor's Course; American Red Cross

  • Juran Quality Assurance Course, Fiber Optics & Optical Electronics, Basics of Supervision, LISP Programming, Digital Control Systems, PASCAL, Advanced Finite Elements; Texas Instruments, Inc.

  • The President's Management Course; American Management Association

  • Manager's Leadership Course, Performance Management System; American Airlines

  • Airbus A300, Boeing 757/767 & DC-9/MD-80 Training Course, American Airlines Flight Academy

  • Boeing 727, 737, & 747 Training Courses; Boeing Commercial Airplane Co.

  • Concepts of Fire Investigation Techniques

  • ISO-9001:2000 Certified Auditor/Lead Auditor Course


 

 

Registrations

 

  • Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP), Specializations: Comprehensive Practice & System Safety, Served as a Director and Vice President to BCSP after serving as Secretary-Treasurer

  • Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.), Discipline: Safety Engineering

  • Fellow (FRAeS) – Royal Aeronautical Society (U.K.)

  • Fellow (FISASI) – International Society of Air Safety Investigators

  • Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)

  • Certified Flight Instructor (Multiengine, Airplane Single, and Instrument)

  • Airline Single and Multiengine, Pilot-in-Command

  • Instrument Instructor, Turbine

  • Multiengine Instructor


 

 

 

 

 

Professional Experience

 

  • Aviation Safety, Accident Investigation and Reconstruction Consultant, RTI Group, LLC, Annapolis, MD, 2006 - present


 

  • President, Curt Lewis & Associates, LLC, Arlington, TX, 2006-present


 

  • Assistant Professor, Southeastern Oklahoma State University.  Responsible for instruction of aviation, industrial and system safety, and safety management.


 

  • Assistant Professor, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University- Worldwide, Discipline Chair – Aviation Safety.  Responsible for instruction of aviation and industrial safety, aircraft accident investigation, and aviation management courses on undergraduate and graduate level; review of graduate research projects. (Outstanding Faculty Award – 2003 – Fort Worth Center), 2000-present


 

  • Director System Safety, American Airlines, Dallas, TX, and Managing Editor of "AA Flight Safety,"  “AA Occupational Safety” and “AA Safety” magazines, 2000-2005


 

  • Corporate Manager of Flight Safety and FOQA, American Airlines, Dallas, TX; Manager FOQA program; Managing Editor of "AA Flight Safety" magazine. Developed Blood-borne Pathogen Training for Accident Investigators, performed in-flight industrial hygiene studies, 1988-2000


 

  • Lead System Safety Engineer/Project Manager, LTV Aerospace & Defense Co., Dallas, TX, 1986-1988


 

  • Flight Training Instructor, Boeing Commercial Airplane Co., Seattle, WA, 1985-1986


 

  • Product Safety Engineering Manager, Texas Instruments, Data Systems Group, Austin, TX, 1984-1985


 

  • Chief Corporate Pilot/Corporate, Director of Safety, Mobley Industries, 1977-1981;  Superior Iron Works Co., 1976-1977;  and Southwestern Railway Co., 1974-1976


 

  • Captain, United States Air Force, Honorable Discharge


 

 

Supplementary Experience

 

  • Member of Educational Advisory Councils for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), Florida Institute of Technology, and Arizona State University; Member of Safety Curriculum Committee – ERAU; Member of FAA Safety Management Focus Group


 

  • Publish Internet based daily aviation safety newsletter and quarterly journal, called:  "Flight Safety Information," for over ten (10) years, circulation in excess of 36,000 readers.


 

 

 

 

  • Aviation Technical Advisor to Random Hearts Production, Inc, "Random Hearts" movie, advisement on aircraft accident investigation, accident site, morgue set, costumes, equipment and procedures


 

 

Professional Associations and Activities

 

  • Texas Professional Safety Source (TWCC # 1941)

  • ISO-9001:2000 Certified Quality Auditor-PA

  • Aviation Safety Program Management Certificate, ERAU

  • "Who's Who in Finance & Industry - 1996/1997," Marquis Who's Who (MWW).

  • "Who's Who in the World - 1995/1996," MWW.

  • "Who's Who in America - 1994/1995," MWW.

  • "Who's Who in Science & Technology - 1993/1994, 2000/2001," MWW.

  • "Who's Who in the South & Southwest - 1991/1992, 1995/1996," MWW.

  • "Who's Who in the Environment - 1991/1992," The Environmental Registry.

  • "Who's Who in the Safety Profession - 1990/1991," The Center for Safety Education

  • Professional Member - American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE)

  • International Society of Air Safety Investigators, (Professional Member & ISASI "Fellow"), President - DFW ISASI Chapter, U.S. Councilor & President of the U.S. ISASI Society, Member – Board of Fellows

  • System Safety Society (SSS)

  • Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)

  • Helicopter International Association (HAI) – Sustaining Member

This expert has provided sworn testimony approximately 14 times in deposition and seven (7) times in Connecticut Superior Court as an electrical engineer in claims and damage cases.  Consulted in dozens of additional cases in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.  Qualified by the Connecticut Superior Court as an electrical expert.  These cases involved high-voltage electrical contacts, electrocutions, personal injury, stray voltage, clearances, property damage, house and structure fires, equipment failures, service interruptions, tariff provisions, system operations, line extensions and upgrades, and compliance with the National Electrical Safety Code (“NESC”).

 

 

Testimony before the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (“PURA”)

Has also provided sworn testimony approximately 28 times in 16 cases before the Connecticut PURA.  These cases involved system reliability, metering, capital expenditures, system operations and maintenance practices and expenses, pole attachments, clearances, structural loadings, joint pole ownership, new electrical services, vegetation management, attachments of distributed antenna systems, equipment failures, line extensions and upgrades, storm response and restoration, and compliance with the NESC.

 

 

 

Professional Experience

RTI Group, LLC, Annapolis, MD

August 2019 – present.

Senior Electrical Utility Engineer and NESC Specialist

 

 

Eversource Energy, Berlin, Connecticut.

From July 1987 to July 2019

Thirty-two (32) years of full-time professional experience as an electrical engineer.  Served as the Principal Engineer of the Distribution Engineering Department at Eversource Energy (“Eversource”) in Connecticut and as the primary technical communicator to the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (“PURA”) regarding Eversource transmission and distribution (“T&D”) regulatory issues, including third-party attachment matters.  Performed numerous special studies in many areas including system reliability, system protection, NESC compliance, distribution engineering and design, and pole attachments.  Served six years as Unit Leader of the Special Studies Unit in Distribution Engineering.  

 

 

National Electrical Safety Code (“NESC”)

April 1993 to Present

Participated over twenty-six (26) years in developing high-voltage electric power system national safety standards for the NESC.  Presently serving as a member of NESC Subcommittee 2 (Grounding Methods), Chair of NESC Subcommittee 7 (Underground Lines), a member of NESC Subcommittee 1 (Coordination, Scope, Purpose, Definitions, and References), a member of the NESC Interpretations Subcommittee, and as the Edison Electric Institute (“EEI”) alternate representative to the NESC Main Committee and Executive Subcommittee.  Presently serving as 1st Vice Chair of the EEI NESC Task Force.  Lectured and taught various NESC classes in the United States as well as internationally in Costa Rica and South Africa.

 

 

The United Illuminating Company

New Haven, Connecticut. July 1980 to May 1986.

Served, over the course of approximately six (6) years, as an electrical engineer responsible for (i) the design of electric distribution engineering standards, special distribution engineering studies, and design and project management of distribution construction projects, (ii) short and long range planning of the electrical transmission network with additional responsibilities in an advisory capacity to Transmission Operations and, (iii) the design and project management of various overhead transmission lines and substations including the full application and hearing process before the Connecticut Siting Council.

 

 

 

Summary of Teaching Experience

The University of New Haven

West Haven, Connecticut; February 1985 to December 2004

Taught various electrical engineering courses (at the undergraduate and graduate level) on a part-time basis as an adjunct professor for thirteen semesters.

 

The Greater New Haven State Technical College

North Haven, Connecticut, September 1982 to May 1986

Taught on a part-time basis as an adjunct professor for eight semesters.  Managed full classroom responsibilities for basic and advanced electrical circuit analysis courses.

 

 

 

 

Registrations and Licenses

  • Licensed Professional Engineer (State of Connecticut, #14133)


 

  • Licensed Extra-Class Amateur Radio Operator (WB8RJV)


 

Academic Background

 

  • Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York:


Master of Engineering (Electric Power Engineering) – 1986 to 1987.

 

  • Power Technologies, Inc., Schenectady, New York:


Advanced Power Systems Engineering Course, Certificate of Completion – 1983 to 1985.

 

  • The University of Michigan, College of Engineering, Ann Arbor, Michigan:


B.S.E. (E.E.) – 1978 to 1980.

 

  • Jackson Community College, Jackson, Michigan:


A.A.S. (E.E.T.), A.S. – 1976 to 1978.

 

  • Vandercook Lake High School, Jackson, Michigan:


Diploma – 1972 to 1976

 

 

 

Professional Associations and Activities

  • Senior Member, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Power and Energy Society


 

  • Chair, NESC Subcommittee 7, American National Standard Accredited Standards Committee C2, Responsible for Underground Lines in Sections 30-39 of the National Electrical Safety Code


 

  • Member, NESC Subcommittee 2, American National Standard Accredited Standards Committee C2, Responsible for Grounding Methods in Section 9 of the National Electrical Safety Code


 

  • Member, NESC Subcommittee 1, American National Standard Accredited Standards Committee C2, Responsible for Sections 1, 2, and 3 of the National Electrical Safety Code


 

  • Member, NESC Interpretations Subcommittee, American National Standard Accredited Standards Committee C2, Responsible for Official Interpretations of the National Electrical Safety Code


 

  • Alternate Member, NESC Main Committee, American National Standard Accredited Standards Committee C2, Responsible for National Electrical Safety Code


 

  • Alternate Member, NESC Executive Committee, American National Standard Accredited Standards Committee C2, Responsible for the National Electrical Safety Code


 

  • Past Member, ANSI Accredited Standards Committee on Preferred Voltage Ratings for AC Systems and Equipment, C84 responsible for ANSI C84.1-2016 [American National Standard for Electric Power Systems and Equipment — Voltage Ratings (60 Hertz)].


 

 

 

Community and Volunteer

  • Member, Industrial Advisory Board, Department of Computer Electronics and Graphics Technology, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT


 

  • Member, Industrial Advisory Board, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Computer Science, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT


 

  • Past Member of Board of Directors, Connecticut Academy for Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology, Inc., Middletown, CT


 

  • Fellow, Connecticut Academy for Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology, Inc., Middletown, CT


 

  • Program Evaluator, Electrical Engineering, ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission, Baltimore, MD


 

  • Professional Member, Engineers Without Borders, Denver, CO


 

  • President, Quonnipaug Hills Section II Board of Directors, Guilford, CT


 

  • 1994 Loaned Executive, United Way/Combined Health Appeal Community Campaign, Hartford, CT


 
Biomechanical engineer with over 20 years of experience as a researcher and consultant. He is licensed as a Professional Engineer in the fields of biomedical and mechanical engineering and accredited as a traffic accident expert. He has published over 50 peer-reviewed scientific papers in the areas of biomechanics, accident investigations, and injury risk analysis with a focus on amusement park rides, automobile safety and sports biomechanics.
EDUCATION

PhD Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia 2000

Charlottesville, Virginia
MSE Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia 1997

Charlottesville, Virginia
BSE Biomedical Engineering, Duke University 1995

 

 

 

 

Durham, North Carolina

 

 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Senior Consultant 2022– Present
RTI Group, LLC
Stevensville, Maryland

Senior Consultant 2014 – Present
Biocore LLC
Charlottesville, Virginia

Laboratory and Research Specialist 2014 – 2016
Center for Applied Biomechanics, University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia

Consultant 2006 – 2013
Technical Director 2002 – 2006
Biodynamic Research Corporation San Antonio, Texas

Research Scientist 2000 – 2002
Automobile Safety Laboratory, University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia

Graduate Research Assistant 1997 – 2000
Automobile Safety Laboratory, University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia

Graduate Research Assistant 1995 – 1997
Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory, University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia

Undergraduate Fellow 1994 – 1995
National Science Foundation/Engineering Research Center Duke University
Durham, North Carolina

 

 

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

Licensed Professional Engineer
Texas P.E. #104623 2009 – Present
Virginia P.E. #0402053704 2014 – Present

Adjunct Faculty Member, Biomedical Engineering 2010 – Present
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering 2004 – 2010
Virginia Tech – Wake Forest Center for Injury Biomechanics
Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia

Leadership Team Member 2020 – 2022
Consensus Head Acceleration Measurement Practices (CHAMP) Group

Scientific Coordinator
Head, Neck, and Spine Engineering Subcommittee 2014 – 2017
Engineering Committee 2017 – Present
National Football League

Visiting Research Scientist 2009 – Present
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia

Clinical Faculty, Graduate Medical Education 2008 – 2013
United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine

Scientific Program Committee Member 2008 – 2013
Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine

Course Organizer, Biomechanics of Injury 2007
Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine

Accredited Traffic Accident Reconstructionist (#1705) 2006 – 2021
Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstruction

 

 

Affiliate Member, ASTM International
Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices
Reviewer
Accident Analysis & Prevention
American Journal of Emergency Medicine 2005 – Present
American Journal of Sports Medicine Annals of Biomedical Engineering
Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine Clinical Anatomy
Clinical Biomechanics
Journal of Applied Biomechanics
Journal of Biomechanics
Journal of Risk and Uncertainty in Engineering Systems
Society of Automotive Engineers
Sports Biomechanics
Traffic Injury Prevention
Registered Architect licensed to practice Architecture in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.  Since receiving a Technical Architectural degree in 1981, he has primarily served as a detail oriented, production and construction administration architect, favored by general contractors for his keen understanding of the construction process and the technical aspect of building assembly.

 

35 plus year career and technical background, has lent itself to providing expert testimony in District of Columbia construction practice legal proceeding, lectures on construction document development at Northern Virginia Community College, as well as forensic building investigations.

 

 

Academic Background

 

  • Technical Architectural degree


 

 

Professional Experience

 

  • RTI Group, LLC, Annapolis, MD.  Registered Architect Consultant, 2010 to present.


 

  •  Served a wide range of clientele from an eight million dollar, 35,000 sqft Volunteer Fire Department in Ashburn Virginia, to a Malaria Vaccine Production facility clean room environment conceptual and scope design in Rockville for NIH. Established 1997.


 

  • Provided architectural interior design services for nationally recognized originations such as: Howard University Hospital, JBG, Xerox, The American Nurses Association, Buckeye Development, Regency Centers Corp., Kimco Realty, Office of Planning Construction and Facilities (OPCF) Catholic Diocese of Arlington, DC law and lobbying firms, as well as the 1.7 million dollar fire restoration and expansion of the L’Auberge Chez Francois Restaurant in Virginia.


 

  • Recommendations by contractors have provided the opportunity to work on hospitality-based projects for companies such as: Double Tree, DC Holiday Inn, McLean Hilton, and over 25 laboratory-based projects for NIH, Med-Immune and HGS.


 

  • Human Genome Sciences selected Mr. Edivan’s one man practice in 2002 to provide architectural services for the relocation of their entire company to the Life Technology campus in Rockville involving 240,000 square foot renovation, corporate reorganization design and construction administration.


 

  • Has been integrally involved in over 5 million square feet of interior office and retail tenant design, construction and renovation.


 

 

 

Professional Associations and Activities

 

  • Lectures on construction document development at Northern Virginia Community College.


 

  • Certified continuing education presentation to members of D.C. Board of Real Estate on construction documentation and blue print reading.

Aeronautical Engineer with over 40 years of aviation experience in accident investigation, reconstruction and aviation safety and a pilot for over 45 years.  Participated in the investigation of over 100 fatal and non-fatal general aviation, military and airline accidents throughout the world.  He has been responsible for leading a major manufacturer’s participation in domestic and international accident investigation activities.  His career has also included serving as a senior aerodynamics and stability and control engineer at a major airframe manufacturer.  His wide range of experience in aviation includes amateur-built airplanes, general aviation airplanes, helicopters, corporate jets, and large transport airplanes.

Has provided expert testimony as to his findings in courts of law.

 

Academic Background

 

  • Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering, California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo - 1974


 

  • Various graduate-level courses in Engineering, University of Washington and Washington State University


 

  • Certificate, Safety Program Management, University of Southern California


 

  • NTSB Aircraft Accident Investigation School, Advanced Course


 

  • Boeing 747-400 Ground School, Boeing Commercial Airplanes


 

 

 

 

 

 

Professional Experience

 

  • Senior Aeronautical Engineer and Aviation Accident Investigator, RTI Group, LLC, 2010 – Present


 

  • Aviation Safety Consultant and founding partner, Safety Services International LLC,  1999 – 2010


 

  • Air Safety Investigator and Chief Investigator, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group,  1988-1999


 

  • Contract Engineer, Gulfstream Aerospace, Sikorsky Helicopter Company and Rockwell International Space Shuttle Division, 1984-1986


 

  • Senior Engineer – Stability and Control, Boeing Commercial Airplane Company,      1976-1984 and 1986-1988


 

  • Liaison Engineer, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, 1974-1976


 

 

Other Professional Experience

 

  • Boeing Commercial Airplane Company, Control Systems – Classical Control Theory


 

  • Boeing Commercial Airplane Company, Airplane Performance


 

  • ASTM Fire Hazards in Oxygen Systems


 

 

Professional Associations and Activities

 

  • Former Associate Staff, FAA Transportation Safety Institute (TSI) Aviation and Environmental Safety Division


 

  • Boeing Spokesman for NTSB Public Hearing, 1997


 

  • Instructor, NTSB Advanced Aircraft Accident Investigation Course


 

  • Instructor, Southern California Safety Institute and University of Southern California Aviation Safety Program


 

 

 

 

 

 

Awards

 

  • Boeing 1984 Annual Inventors’ Award for Elevator Feel System Modification (patented)


 

 

Licenses and Professional Affiliations

 

  • Fellow, International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI)


 

  • President, Pacific Northwest Regional Chapter of ISASI


 

  • President, San Francisco Chapter of ISASI


 

  • Past President, Northwest Aviation Insurance Association


 

  • Member, Royal Aeronautical Society, Seattle Branch


 

  • Member, Helicopter Association International


 

  • Family Assistance Foundation, Member


 

  • Instrument Rated Commercial Pilot, Single and Multi-Engine Land and Single Engine Sea


 

 

Published Articles

 

  • Use of Non-Volatile Memory for Accident Investigation, 1992


 

  • Safety in Numbers, 2000


 

  • Safety Programs for Small Operators


 

  • ICAO Accident Investigation Manual – Performance, Wreckage Reconstruction chapters under contract with Southern California Safety Institute


 

  • Global Aerospace SM4 Safety Quarterly Magazine – From Where I Sit

Over 30 years of diversified aviation experience in the FAA regulatory environment with more than 13 years in engineering management. Involvement ranges from hands-on-maintenance, design engineering, certification program manager as a Designated Engineering Representative (DER) and Organizational Designation Authority (ODA) unit member. Has extensive experience in the complete FAA STC process from project inception to STC issuance.

PhD aerospace engineer and licensed PE (DE, DC, MD, VA) with advanced degrees in mechanical engineering and physics and 25+ years of technical and leadership experience in forensic engineering, product development, and R&D. Experienced mechanical engineer and engineering manager with roles including product-line engineering manager, president of an engineering R&D firm, and director of advanced engineering development. Deep expertise in structural health monitoring, modal/vibration-based damage detection, optical sensing for extreme environments, and failure analysis. Experienced expert witness and forensic investigator—author of 90+ technical reports and participant in 200+ matters. Certifications include Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator (NAFI), OSHA 10/30, and IPAF powered-access licenses.
Seasoned inspector with 30+ years’ experience evaluating residential, commercial, and multifamily properties. Specializes in building envelope performance, water intrusion diagnostics, roofing systems, and energy-efficiency assessments. Provides thorough, objective reports and credible expert-witness services.

Core Services

  • Comprehensive construction, building, and property inspections

  • Building envelope and water-intrusion inspections and diagnostics

  • Stucco and EIFS inspection and failure analysis

  • Roofing inspections, condition evaluations, and remaining-life estimates

  • Evaluation of construction, maintenance, and integration of building components

  • Energy-efficiency evaluations and recommendations

  • Expert witness evaluation and testimony (litigation support)

Aviation professional licensed as an Airline Transport Pilot and FAA Airframe & Powerplant mechanic with Inspection Authorization. Over 30 years hands-on maintenance experience on piston, turboprop, and jet aircraft (Beechcraft, Cessna, Lear, Piper). Proven expertise in flight operations, aircraft maintenance, and regulatory compliance.