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Posts classified under: Expert Witness Directory

RTI Group, LLC. > Expert Witness Directory
23
Oct
Date October 23, 2024

011199 Human Performance

Human Performance Consultant with over 30 years of experience in human performance investigation; in which 26 of those years were with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in Washington, DC.  Human performance issues involved in transportation accidents include speech analysis, fatigue, operator impairment, crew coordination, cockpit design, automation, and corporate culture.

Subsequent to his retirement from the NTSB, he participated as a consultant and expert witness in investigations, such as: Technical Specialist for Spanish government agency CIAIAC on the Air Algérie MD-83 accident near Gossi, Mali; Asiana Airlines in connection with Flight 214 accident at San Francisco CA ;  Independent Pilots Association in connection with UPS Flight 1354 accident at Birmingham, AL; Gulfstream Aerospace G IV accident at Hanscom Field, MA, and consultant to aircraft underwriters in the Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 disappearance.

He has also served as an expert witness for the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee (technical factors limiting speech lie detection) and U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Postal Service (prosecution of manufacturers of an alleged speech lie detector).

 

Academic Background

  • B.A. with distinction, Boston University, Boston, MA

  • M.A. Stanford University, Stanford, CA (Psychology)

  • Ph.D. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (Psychology)


 

Licenses

  • Private pilot license


 

Professional Experience

  • RTI Group, LLC, Annapolis, MD. Human Performance Consultant, 2014 - present.

  • Consultant/Expert Witness, 2013 – present.

    • Consultant to aircraft underwriters in the Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 disappearance.

    • Technical Specialist for Spanish government agency CIAIAC (Comisión de Investigation de Accidentes e Incidentes de Aviatión Civil) in connection with the Air Algérie MD-83 accident near Gossi, Mali (2014).

    • Consultant to Asiana Airlines in connection with Flight 214 accident at San Francisco CA (July 2013).

    • Consultant to Independent Pilots Association in connection with UPS Flight 1354 accident at Birmingham AL (August 2013).

    • Consultant on mid-air collision at Hampton NY (plaintiff).

    • Consultant on Gulfstream Aerospace G IV accident at Hanscom Field, MA (2014).

    • Previously served as Expert Witness for the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee (technical factors limiting speech lie detection) and U.S. Department of Justice (prosecution of manufacturers of an alleged speech lie detector).





  • Human Performance Investigator, National Transportation Safety Board, Washington D.C., 1986-2012:

    • Human performance specialist on NTSB go-team launches, major investigations, and public hearings, including those involving large commercial aircraft, corporate aircraft and general aviation accidents, as well as marine, rail, and highway crashes.

    • Chief, Human Performance Division, Office of Aviation Safety (2007-2009)

    • Instructor, NTSB Training Center (“Human Performance Investigation,” “Investigating Human Fatigue,” and “Witness Interviewing”) (2004-2012)

    • NTSB investigations included:

      • Midair collision of Aeronaves de Mexico DC-9 with Piper PA-28 over Cerritos, CA (1986)

      • USAir B-737 accident at Alequippa, PA (1994)

      • Valujet DC-9 accident in the Everglades (1996)

      • Korean Air B-747 accident at Guam (1997)

      • Egyptair flight 990 crash in the Atlantic Ocean near Newport RI (1999)

      • Midair collision in Brazil between Gol Transportes Aéreos B-737 and Embraer Legacy business jet (2006); human performance support to Brazilian authorities

      • Crash of Spanish MD-82 at Madrid Spain (2008);human performance support to Spanish authorities

      • Crash due to fuel exhaustion of Air Methods Eurocopter AS350 helicopter on EMS flight near Mosby, MO (2011)

      • Alaska Airlines MD-83 accident in Pacific Ocean off CA coast (2000)

      • American Airlines A300 separation of vertical stabilizer, NY (2001)

      • American Eagle BAE-J3201 crash short of runway at Kirksville MO (2004)

      • US Airways A320 birdstrike/ditching (“Miracle on the Hudson”)(2009)

      • Singapore Airlines B747 wrong runway takeoff at Taipei Taiwan (2000) (support of Taiwan authorities)

      • Air France Flight 447 crash in Atlantic Ocean (2009) (support of French authorities)

      • Avient Airlines MD-11 runway overrun during takeoff at Shanghai China (2009) (support of Chinese authorities)

      • Lufthansa Cargo MD-11 crash upon landing at Riyadh Saudi Arabia (2010) (support of Saudi authorities)






 

Honors

  • NTSB National Resource Specialist—Human Performance (2001)

  • Recipient of NTSB Chairman’s Award (2000)

  • Recipient of NTSB Employee Peer Award (2000)

  • Chapter President, International Society of Air Safety Investigators (1984-86)

  • Recipient, National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Fellowship (1968-1972)

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Author rtiAdmin
23
Oct
Date October 23, 2024

011196 Fire Protection Engineering, Fire and Explosion Investigator



This expert has over 40 years of experience in fire safety science, having been the first person to earn a Ph.D. in Fire Protection Engineering in 1976. He currently specializes in lending fire safety science support to investigations of fires and explosions.   He is a Principal Member of NFPA’s Technical Committee on Fire Investigations, which develops the standard guide for investigation of fires and explosions, NFPA 921.

He is also well known for having invented the Cone Calorimeter and the large-scale (furniture) calorimeter while he was doing research for NIST.  Both of these apparatuses are based on the oxygen consumption principle and are in use in laboratories around the world.  He has authored over 300 technical publications, regularly teaches groups of fire investigators, and lectures at scientific symposia.  He is currently working on a new book on Electrical Fires and Explosions.




Science and engineering expertise and work areas

  • instrument design

  • physics

  • heat transfer

  • civil/structural engineering

  • electrical engineering

  • combustion science

  • analytical chemistry: methods for gas analysis

  • infrared spectroscopy

  • full-scale engineering performance testing


Within fire safety science and fire protection engineering:

  • fire resistance

  • fire toxicity

  • fire testing

  • electrical fires

  • electrical explosions

  • electrical arcs

  • furniture flammability

  • fire corrosivity

  • ignitability

  • self-heating and spontaneous combustion

  • failure analysis

  • ignition of fires from electric faults and failures

  • flame spread

  • explosions

  • heat release rate

  • computer fire modeling

  • pool fires

  • smoke production

  • computer methods for handling of fire test data

  • design and development of fire test ap­paratuses and in­strumenta­tion


Education

Graduate:

University of California, Berkeley, Ph.D., Fire Protection Engineering, 1976.  Was the first person ever to be awarded a Ph.D. degree in Fire Protection Engineering.
University of California, Berkeley, M.S., Structural Engineering, 1972.

Undergraduate:

Swarthmore College, A.B., Physics, 1968. Also, concentration in electrical engineering.

 

Professional experience

2002:   Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Adjunct Full Professor, Spring Semester. Taught Special Topics—Ignition Phenomena in the Dept. of Fire Protection Engineering.

1998:   University of British Columbia. Lecturer, Winter Session. Taught fire dynamics to Master’s degree students in the Fire Protection Engineering program.

1977 ‑ 1993 : National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Center for Fire Research/BFRL, Fire Prevention Engineer (note that prior to 1988 NIST was called the U.S. National Bureau of Standards). At NIST, he headed up various programs and research groups in the area of materials flammability, fire toxicity, test method develop­ment, upholstered furniture flammability, building code fire safety requirements, and fire resistance.

1973 ‑ 1976 : U. of Califor­nia, Fire Test Laboratories, Research Specialist. During his work at UCB, he specialized in fire modeling, test furnace design and fundamental studies on fire endurance.

1969 – 1971 : U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia, Civil Engineer. He designed roads, bridges, and waterworks for the Army Corps of Engineers.

1968 – 1969 : University of Pennsylvania, Assistant instructor, Physics department. He taught laboratory courses to physics undergraduates at the University of Pennsylvania.

 

Society memberships

  • American Society for Testing and Materials (since 1973)

  • The Combustion Institute (since 1975)

  • International Association of Fire Safety Science (since 1989)

  • International Association of Arson Investigators (since 1996)

  • International Code Council; formerly ICBO (since 1993)

  • National Fire Protection Association (since 1975)

  • Society of Fire Protection Engineers (since 1991; grade of Fellow)


 

Technical committee participation

  • ANSI US National Committee Technical Advisory Group for IEC/TC 108 Safety of Electronic Equipment, Member (2012- ).

  • ASTM Committee D-9 on Electrical and Electronic Insulating Materials, Member (1991- ).

  • ASTM Committee D-20 on Plastics, Member (1996- ).

  • ASTM Committee E‑5 on Fire Standards (1973 -  ); served as Chairman of Subcommittee E-5.21 on Smoke and Combustion Products (1998 – 2003).

  • ASTM Committee E-27 on Hazard Potential of Chemicals, Member (1999- ).

  • ASTM Committee E-30 on Forensic Sciences, Member (2004- ).

  • International Association of Fire Safety Science – management Committee (2005-  )

  • ISO Technical Commission of Fire Safety, TC 92/SC 1/WG 2 Working Group on Ignitability, Assigned U.S. expert.

  • NFPA Technical Committee on Fire Investigations, NFPA 921, Member (2006-  ).

  • NFPA Safety to Life/Technical Committee on Furnishings and Contents, Member (1994- ).

  • SFPE Standards Making Committee on Calculating Fire Exposures to Structures Calculating Fire Exposures to Structures, Member (2004- ).

  • SFPE Task Group on Fire Exposures, Member (2002-2004).

  • UL Standards Technical Panel STP 723 Surface Burning Testing of Building Materials, Member (2003-  ).

  • UL Standards Technical Panel STP 1040 Fire Tests of Insulated Wall Constructions, Member (2004-  ).

  • UL Standards Technical Panel STP 1820 Fire Tests of Pneumatic Tubing and Plastic Sprinkler Pipe for Flame and Smoke Characteristics (2005-).


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Author rtiAdmin
23
Oct
Date October 23, 2024

011188 General and Air Carrier Aviation and Military Operations



Experienced aviation expert with over 25 years of experience as a pilot, instructor, examiner, and operations manager in both air carrier and military operations.  He is also a licensed Florida attorney who has worked in insurance defense and understands the pressures of trial preparation and the use of expert witnesses and technical experts in litigation.

He has over 17 years in Part 121 air carrier domestic and international line operations, management, advanced training and FAA regulatory coordination for Delta Air Lines and is skilled in SMS, Human Factors, CRM, safety and standards evaluation.  In addition, he is experienced in development of international routes and facilities and has served as an Operations Control Center Flight Operations Manager.

He has 20 years experience in military flight operations, flight training, base management, budget and accounting programs, as well as being experienced in Tactical Operations, Strategic Airlift, and Advanced Jet Training.  He is a prior USAF Safety Investigation Board Member, USAF Command Pilot, and Master Instructor.

He is a graduate of the University of Southern California School of Engineering Aviation Safety and Security Program and experienced with current ideas and management approaches to aviation safety and security.  He is a trained accident investigator/trial attorney with in-depth knowledge of litigation strategies and expert witness testimony.  In addition, he is a certified Aviation Safety and Compliance Auditor familiar with U.S. and foreign regulatory systems.




Academic Background

• Juris Doctorate – Levin College of Law, University of Florida (2008)
 Member in Good Standing - Florida Bar - Licensed to practice in Florida Courts
 Member - ABA Air and Space Law Section, Lawyer Pilots Bar Association.

• Master of Business Administration – Midwestern State University (1986)

• Bachelor of Science – Business Administration – Cornell University (1977)

Ratings and Certifications

Civil:

  • Airline Transport Pilot – Airplane Multiengine Land B-737 B-757 B-767

  • Commercial Privileges - Airplane Single Engine Land

  • L-300

  • Aircrew Program Designee/ ATP B-737


Military:

  • USAF Command Pilot/ Master Instructor

  • A-10 Thunderbolt II Mission Pilot

  • T-38 Talon Instructor/ Flight Examiner

  • A-37 Dragonfly Mission Pilot (A-FAC)

  • C-141 Starlifter Aircraft Commander


Additional Education and Training

• USAF Air Command and Staff College
• Marine Command and Staff College
• Joint Air Ground Operations School
• Army Special Airborne School
• USAF Comptroller Finance School
• IBAC IS-BAO Auditor Training Program
• USC Accident Investigation Program
• USC Safety Management Program
• USC Human Factors Program
• USC Aviation Law Program
• USC Technical Witness Program

Professional Experience

RTI, Stevensville MD - Air Carrier Aviation and military Operations consultant - 2015 - current

 

Aviation Consultant/ Attorney – Pensacola, FL (Current)

  • Providing contract consulting services for development of Aviation Quality and Safety Management Systems for risk assessment, risk mitigation and operational efficiency.

  • Aviation Safety Systems Auditor for commercial and governmental operations.

  • Forensic accident investigator providing detailed causal analysis using physical evidence, recorded flight data, human factors data, pilot and aircraft records to identify root cause in support of litigation activities.

  • Independent legal practice focusing on FAA regulatory affairs, compliance and enforcement actions.


Chief Operating Officer/ General Counsel – Parcell Laboratories, Inc. – Boston, MA (2011-2014)

  • Provided leadership for all aspects of company operations to include management of administrative and technical personnel, operating facilities, quality assurance, accounting, regulatory compliance and legal affairs. Negotiated complex development agreements with U.S. and foreign partners.

  • Instituted risk mitigation and quality control strategies for complex and sensitive biologic manufacturing processes.


Attorney/ Special Counsel – Galloway Johnson Tomkins Burr & Smith PLC – Pensacola, FL (2010-2011)

  • Insurance Counsel - Maritime, transportation, product liability and general liability defense litigation. Performed investigations, forensic analysis, case development, negotiations and trial practice on behalf of insured parties.


Assistant State Attorney – Florida 8th Judicial Circuit (2008–2009)

  • Responsible for all aspects of case management to include investigation, negotiation, litigation and settlement. Highly experienced in witness interviewing and deposition techniques.


Flight Operations Supervisor/ Examiner/ B-767 Captain (Retired) – Delta Air Lines Inc. (1987 – 2004)

  • Coordinated air carrier operating policies and procedures for over 10,000 pilots conducting 2400 daily flights worldwide via written guidance, briefings and instructional curriculum development.

  • Pilot in Command for B-737, 757, 767 aircraft, B-737 Instructor and Evaluator.  Additional 2000 hours as advanced simulator instructor and evaluator in AQP training.  Additional experience as a B-727 Flight Engineer, Engineer Instructor and Line Operations Evaluation Check Airman.

  • Performed flight instruction and evaluations utilizing advanced simulation devices. Coordinated courseware development for instruction in domestic and international flight procedures.  FAA Designated Air Program Evaluator for B-737 type ratings.  Performed functional check flights for aircraft airworthiness qualification.

  • Member Corporate Strategic Venture Committee for joint venture and acquisition opportunities.

  • Performed management assistance training and operational support for foreign airline partners seeking to amend their Operating Certificates and Operations Specifications.


United States Air Force – Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) (1977–1997)

  • USAF Command Pilot – A-10 Mission Pilot (Experienced in Attack/Forward Air Control/CSAR); Fighter Electronic Combat Instructor; Unit Weapons Officer for tactical training; A-37 Forward Air Controller; C-141 Aircraft Commander and T-38 Advanced Jet Training Instructor/ Evaluator.

  • CSAR Mission Coordinator – A-10 Combat Search and Rescue alert response forces for 4404th Air Expeditionary Wing SWA Theater to provide CSAR support for Allied forces operating over Iraq.

  • T-38 Chief of Training Standardization – 80th FTW (AETC) - Euro-Nato Joint Jet Pilot Training. Responsible for instruction, standardization and evaluation of multi-national instructor cadre from eleven countries in advanced jet procedures.

  • Comptroller Division - Accounting and Finance Officer – Supervised over 100 civilian and military technicians in base accounting, auditing and management analysis functions.

  • Executive Officer - McGuire AFB, N.J. – Base Commander’s representative for airbase projects to include contracting, manpower, facilities and airfield operations.

  • Operations Officer – Guyana Peoples Temple Humanitarian Recovery - Fully responsible for work assignments, facilities support, health, welfare and supervision of over 500 military and civilian workers in the recovery and forensic identification of human remains.


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Author rtiAdmin
23
Oct
Date October 23, 2024

011179 Electrical Engineer and Utilities Operations



Electrical Engineer and Utilities Operations consultant with many years of forensic, utility and project management experience.  He is an experienced investigator, engineering reviewer, and engineering manager.  He has extensive experience as a senior project engineer with substation design, construction management, customer engineering and system planning experience.

Mr. Simpson has experience with all phases of utility operations including design, distribution, transmission, substation, relaying, generation, plant accounting, systems planning and materials management. He designed and built the first multi story SF-6 gas bus substation involving 69 kV high pressure oil filled pipe type cable supply in the Washington, DC area.; and oil and paper supply feeders include 13kV paper and lead, 34kV and 69kV low-pressure oil filled cable, 69kV, 138kV, and 230kV high-pressure oil filled pipe type cable.  Experience also includes a number of 34kV and 69kV low-pressure oil filled cable river crossings involving armored cable, divers, long high-tension pulls and very critical time schedules.  Construction scheduling and coordinating at project and corporate levels.  Computer system development for construction scheduling and materials management systems.  Materials management experience includes corporate purchasing, stores, inventory control, investment recovery, materials systems and disposal of hazardous waste.

Has acted as an arbitrator and given testimony in depositions and in court.




Academic Background

  • B.E.E., Bachelor of Electrical Engineering, Villanova University, 1962

  • Graduate Courses, Protective Relaying, U.S. Department of Agriculture 1963-1964

  • College of Business Administration Management Development Program, Northeastern University 1983-1984

  • Southeastern Electric Exchange Utility Management Program

  • Taught Materials Management, University of Tennessee Utility Program

  • Taught Fault Tree Analysis, Zurich-American Risk Engineering, 1991


 

Professional Experience

  • Electrical Engineer and Utilities Operations consultant, RTI Group, LLC, Annapolis, MD, 2005 – present.

  • Electrical Engineer and Utilities Operations consultant, Reynolds Technologies International/FTI Consulting, Annapolis, MD, 2003 – 2005.

  • President and Principal Engineer, private consulting, 1997 – present.  Investigates electrical contact cases and electrical engineering questions.  Focus on utility-related issues dealing with electrical contact, code interpretations, emergency response to system distributions, power and distribution dispatching issues.  Cases include electrical contacts involving ladders, cranes, aerial trucks, telephone trucks, cable TV, gas and electrical personnel and the general public.  Electrical failure of power plant and substation switchgear, transformers, commercial equipment including switchgear, switchboards, power cables and residential services.  Safety reviews electrostatic spraying systems, fire truck electrical systems, and electrical origin fires.  Conducts safety surveys, reviews joint line agreements and arbitrates disputes based on electrical issues.

  • Consulting Director, Utility Group, FTI Corporation, Annapolis, Maryland, 1990-1997.  Focus on utility industry, electrical contact, code interpretation and EMF issues.  Directs and investigates electrical contact cases, electrical engineering questions and engineering animation presentations.  Cases include a wide variety of electrical contacts involving ladders, cranes, aerial trucks, telephones, cable TV, utility personnel and the general public.  Safety review of electrostatic spraying equipment, contamination of electrical equipment and electrical origin fire.  Safety program surveys of CATV companies and review of joint line agreements, utility contractor agreements, and related safety and contractual issues.

  • Materials Manager, Potomac Electric Power Company, Washington, D.C., 1980‑1990.  Administered major construction and maintenance contracts for operating groups including production plants, and transmission and distribution systems.

  • Project Manager, Materials Management Information System, Potomac Electric Power Company, Washington, D.C., 1979-1980.  Directed the development of a corporate system for cataloging, tracking, forecasting, counting, issuing, receiving, and accounting for stock material including computer system development.

  • Manager, Construction and Budget Coordination, Potomac Electric Power Company, Washington, D.C., 1972‑1979.  Created and managed a department responsible for the development and control of corporate construction expenditures including reporting to the Board of Directors.  Directed monthly construction meetings, issued scheduling progress reports, and prepared and explained monthly and annual operating budgets.

  • Senior Project Engineer, Substation Design, 1966 – 1972.  Designed, built and modified distribution through high voltage substations ranging from 4kV through 500kV.  Facilities included specifications and drawings for all major power equipment such as transformers, switchgear, relaying, supervisory, station service, switching and supply considerations.  Coordinated with T & D, Civil and Substation engineering on building and feeder requirements.  Project Team Member for design of construction management computerized scheduling system.

  • Engineer, System Planning, 1962 – 1965. Assisted in the analysis and planning of distribution and subtransmission systems.  Performed load flow and system stability analysis.  Worked on interconnection high voltage studies involving PJM companies and power dispatching considerations.


Professional Associations

  • National Society for Professional Engineers

  • Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers

  • Edison Electric Institute, Materials Management and Procurement Systems Subcommittee

  • Southeastern Electric Exchange, Materials Management Task Force

  • Purchasing Management Association of Washington, Chairman Ethics; committee to review National Association of Purchasing Management ethics policy

  • Utility Purchasing Management Group, Executive Committee

  • American Arbitration Association’s Panel of Arbitrators


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Author rtiAdmin
23
Oct
Date October 23, 2024

011177 Senior Mechanical Engineer



Senior Mechanical Engineer Consultant with experience in experimental solid mechanics, material property testing and related areas of analysis. Professor of mechanical engineering at a prestigious university. Editor and author of many handbooks, journal articles and several conference papers.




Academic Background

  • B.S. Mechanical Engineering, N.C. State University, 1960

  • M.S. Mechanical Engineering, N.C. State University, 1961

  • Ph.D. Mechanics, The Johns Hopkins University, 1966


 

Professional Experience

  • Senior Mechanical Engineer Consultant, experimental solid mechanics and related areas of analysis, RTI Group, LLC, Annapolis, MD 2009 – present

  • Decker Professor Emeritus, Mechanical Engineering, John Hopkins University, 2009

  • Decker Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 1997 – 2009

  • Member of the Principal Professional Staff of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, 1993 – 2009

  • Decker Professor and Chairman, Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 1991 – 1997

  • Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Scholar, Braunschweig and Freiburg, West Germany, January 1990- June 1990

  • National Research Council Associate, NASA-Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia, January 1989 – June 1989

  • Decker Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 1988 – 1991

  • Professor and Chairman, Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 1983 – 1988

  • Professor and Chairman, Mechanical Engineering, Louisiana State University, 1978-1983

  • Assistant Professor, Associate Professor and Professor, Metallurgy, Mechanics, and Materials Science, Michigan State University, 1966-1978

  • National Research Council Associate, Air Force Materials Laboratory, 1973 – 1974

  • Visiting Scientist, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM, winter 1970

  • Visiting Scientist, Lawrence Radiation Laboratories, Livermore, CA, summer 1971


Professional Associations and Societies

  • Society for Experimental Mechanics.  Technical Editor, Experimental Mechanics, 1976 – 1978; Executive Board 1979-1981, and 1983-1987; President, 1984-1985.

  • American Society for Engineering Education.  Chairman, Instrumentation Division, 1975.

  • American Society of Mechanical Engineers.  Chairman, Experimental Mechanics Committee, 1989-1991; Associate Technical Editor, Journal of Applied Mechanics, 1990 -1997; Representative to Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, 1992-1997; Committee on Engineering Accreditation, 1992-2002 (Chairman 2000-2001); and Representative to ABET Board of Directors, 2000-2003.

  • Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Associate Technical Editor, Journal of Micro-electromechanical Systems, 1998 – 2003.


 

Honors

Pi Tau Sigma; Tau Beta Pi; Midwest Mechanics Seminar Lecturer – 1984;
Best Paper in Volume 105 (1983) of the Journal of Engineering Materials and Technology;
Fellow of ASME – 1985;
Alexander von Humboldt Award – 1989-1990;
Fellow of Society for Experimental Mechanics (SEM) – 1992;
SEM Tatnall Award for Service – 1992;
ASME Nadai Award – 1993;
SEM Frocht Award for Education – 1996;
ASME Dedicated Service Award – 1997;
Southwest Mechanics Seminar Lecturer – 2000;
SEM Lazan Award for original technical contributions – 2001;
SEM Murray Medal for study of mechanical behavior on the microscale – 2002; and
ASEE Ralph Coates Award – 2007.

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Author rtiAdmin
23
Oct
Date October 23, 2024

011161 Senior Mechanical Engineer



Senior Mechanical Engineer experienced in conducting investigations into mechanical and equipment failures, including fire causation and smoke flow, gas and fuel oil systems, diesel engine generators and support systems, plumbing and process piping systems, vacuums, medical gas systems, and compressed air.  His areas of expertise include diesel engine generators and support systems, hydraulic power systems, precision controlled IT facilities, water and waste water treatment plant equipment and processes, PCB incidents, construction industry practices and standards, and building code and asbestos abatement review, in addition to many other related fields.

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

 




Academic Background

  • National Fire, Arson and Explosion Training Program, 2005, 2010

  • ASHRAE, Smoke Control Design Course, 1985

  • Carrier Corp., Microcomputer Design Course, 1982

  • University of Maryland, BSME Degree in 1971


 

Registrations

  • Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, NAFI, 2005

  • Professional Engineer in the State of Maryland, 1978; Georgia, 2008; South Carolina, 2008; Florida, 2008; Virginia, 2008; and Delaware, 2008.


 

Security Clearance

  • Secret clearance, U.S. Government, DOD, (DISCO)

  • Clearance, U.S. Department of Justice, DEA


 

Professional Experience

Senior Mechanical Engineer Consultant, RTI Group, LLC, Annapolis, Maryland, 2006-present

 

President, Senior Mechanical Engineer, personal company., Annapolis, MD and Savannah, GA, 1985-present.

  • Mechanical systems and equipment failure investigations on Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems (Residential, Commercial and Institutional); Analyses of fire causation and smoke flow in buildings, gas and fuel oil equipment and systems, building automation systems, plumbing and process piping systems analysis, vacuum piping and central vacuum systems, medical gas systems, compressed air systems and air compressors. Diesel engine generators and support systems (fuel, lube oil, start air). Hydraulic power systems, industrial gas, oil, dual fuel fired equipment (dryers, furnaces, boilers, etc.). Analysis of high reliability, precision controlled IT facilities, including “clean” and raised access floor environments. Cost estimating and value engineering. Specification writing and interpretation. Mechanical power transmission (gear drives, belt drives, etc.). Water and wastewater treatment plant equipment and processes. PCB incident investigations. Automatic control systems (Pneumatic, electric, electronic, direct digital). Construction industry practices and standards. Pumps and associated system controls; piping, valves and fittings. Building code interpretation. Steam power plant systems and hospital mechanical systems. Asbestos abatement design review. Specific Indoor Air Quality experience related to alleged “sick building syndrome.”

  • Design projects have included HVAC, plumbing and fire protection for a private school in Gaithersburg, MD, a high-rise apartment building in Rosslyn, Virginia, a retirement complex in Arlington, Virginia, a HEMP hardened Air Force satellite communications facility in Cavalier, ND, a Telecommunications Center hardened against blast, nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons at Clark Air Base, Philippine Islands. Designed elevated water storage facility, Suitland, Maryland. Performed Value Engineering studies and Constructibility Reviews for the Chrysler Corporation, the US Coast Guard, NAVFAC, the City of Baltimore, and the State of Maryland Dept. of General Services. Performed engineering analysis of building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for compliance with specifications, codes, and standards.

  • Performed engineering investigations for determination of causation in catastrophic fatality/property damage incidents. Projects include investigation of carbon monoxide incidents related to combustion of hydrocarbon fuels in heating equipment and appliances.


 

Stottler, Stagg, and Associates, Lanham, Maryland.  Department Head, Mechanical Engineering, 1982- 1986.

  • Performed design of HVAC, plumbing and fire protection systems for a two million square foot Federal office building, military research laboratories (Pulse Laser and Underwater Acoustics),

  • HEMP hardened satellite communications facilities, and various other military and commercial projects.  Clients include GSA, Naval Research Laboratory, Chesapeake Division NAVFAC,

  • Tyndall Air Force Base, Bolling Air Force Base, Robins Air Force Base, Andrews Air Force Base, Army Corps of Engineers (Baltimore District/National Capital Area).  Major projects have included the design of water and wastewater treatment plants for Brevard County, FL, and for the U.S. Navy, and the retrofit design of citadel type HVAC systems for HEMP and blast hardened facilities. Performed design of residential HVAC, plumbing and fire protection.


 

Litton Bionetics, Inc., Frederick, Maryland, Project Engineer, Facilities Engineering, 1981 – 1982.

  • Designed cancer research laboratories including renovation of abandoned military biological and chemical warfare facilities. HVAC and process piping designs included containment of carcinogenic biological and chemical materials and creation of “clean” environments for animal research. Evaluated energy conservation opportunities. Responsible for evaluation and oversight of A&E subcontractors. Designed experimental pathology laboratory and animal virus laboratory.


 

Sverdrup & Parcel and Associates, Silver Spring, Maryland, Project Engineer, Buildings Department, 1978 – 1981.

  • Started mechanical department. Designed HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection systems for maintenance buildings, a church, a 250-man military barracks, and hospital emergency room and pediatrics ward. Designed renovations for a federal pistol range, a locomotive repair factory, and an airport terminal building. Wrote specifications and developed engineers cost estimates for all projects. Clients include Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, US Postal Service, Southview Presbyterian Church, Royal Norwegian Embassy, General Motors Corporation, Charleston Area Medical Center, West Virginia General Services Division, and Greenbriar Airport.


 

Whitman Requardt and Associates, Baltimore, MD, Design Engineer, Mechanical Department, 1972 – 1981

  • Designed various aspects of water and wastewater treatment plants, including plant hydraulics and process piping. Wrote specifications and developed engineer’s cost estimates for all projects. Clients included Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, District of Columbia Environmental Services, and City of Richmond, Virginia.


 

Professional Associations and Activities

  • American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers

  • National Association of Fire Investigators

  • National Fire Protection Association

  • International Association of Arson Investigators

  • American Industrial Hygiene Association

  • Instrument Society of America

  • National Society of Professional Engineers

  • Association of Independent Consultants

  • FAA Commercial Pilot, Instrument Rated, ASEL


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Author rtiAdmin
23
Oct
Date October 23, 2024

011154 Senior Electrical Engineer



A Senior Electrical Engineer with many years of experience in the field of electrocutions, antenna and microware engineering.  Currently a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at a distinguished university.  He has an impressive list of honors and recognition for his contributions to research and education, as well as numerous funded research projects, service activities and published books and articles.




Academic Background

  • Ph.D., Applied Physics (Electromagnetics), Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 1974

  • M.E.E., Electrical Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 1968

  • B.A., Electrical Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 1967


 

Honors

  • Member of the Electromagnetics Academy,

  • IEEE Fellow,

  • IEEE Board of Directors, 2005-2006,

  • IEEE Millennium Medal, 2000,

  • IEEE President – Antennas and Propagation Society, 1996,

  • IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society Distinguished Lecturer 1992-94,

  • Engineering Alumni Association Distinguished Engineering Faculty Award, 1992,

  • College of Engineering Senior Research Award, 1995,

  • University of Houston Alumni Organization Outstanding Faculty Award, 2002


 

Registration

  • Registered Professional Engineer, State of Texas, 1986-present


 

Professional Experience

  • Senior Electrical Engineering consultant, RTI Group, LLC, Annapolis, MD, 2006-present

  • Associate Dean for Educational Activities, College of Engineering, distinguished university, 2002-present

  • Faculty member, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 1974-present; Assistant Professor 1974-1979; Associate Professor 1979-1985; Professor 1985-present

  • Associate Dean for Research Activities, College of Engineering,  2000-2002

  • Interim Chair, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering,  1998-1999

  • Associate Dean, College of Engineering,  1995-1998

  • Chairman, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering,  1984-1995

  • Acting Chairman, Department of Electrical Engineering, 1981-1983

  • Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Electrical Engineering,  1978-1981

  • Research Assistant in Applied Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 1971-1974

  • Teaching Fellow in Applied Mathematics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 1970-1971

  • Research Associate, Los Alamos Scientific Laboratories, Los Alamos, NM; Linear Accelerator Design, Summer 1970-1971.

  • Aerosystems Engineer, General Dynamics, Fort Worth, TX;  Antenna System Design, 1968-1969

  • Engineer, Collins Radio, Dallas, TX; R.F. Amplifier Design, Summer, 1967


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Author rtiAdmin
23
Oct
Date October 23, 2024

011143 Mechanical Engineer



This Mechanical Engineer specializes in fire and explosion investigation and accident reconstruction. He is a Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator and Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator through the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI). In addition to passenger vehicles, his expertise in Motor Vehicle Accident Reconstruction includes heavy trucks and recreation vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, and off-highway vehicles. He is nationally certified through the Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstruction (ACTAR).

This expert is a Registered Professional Engineer in Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. He has significant knowledge of internal combustion engines and generators, residential and commercial mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, and structural water/moisture origin determination. He also is an expert in maritime industries and marine engineering, and has worked on cases involving recreational marine vessels, including power and sail operation, and propulsion and power generator systems (diesel and gasoline)

He has provided expert testimony as to his findings in various courts of law, including both local and federal venues.




Academic Background

• B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston, MA 2002

 

Additional Academic Activities / Honors

• WREX World Reconstruction Exposition - Orlando, FL, May 2016
• Investigation of Gas and Electric Appliance Fires – Benton Harbor, Michigan, April 2014
• CDR Analysis & Applications Update Course – Millersville, Maryland, September 2011
• Advanced Collision Reconstruction with CDR Applications – Millersville, Maryland, April 2011
• Crush Energy Analysis in Collision Reconstruction – Millersville, Maryland, August 2010
• Heavy Vehicle Crash Reconstruction – Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, May 2010
• Combined Annual Conference for Collision Reconstruction – NAPARS, Atlantic City, New Jersey,
• October 2008
• Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) System Data Analyst Course – Millersville, Maryland, May 2008
• Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) System Technician Course – Annapolis, Maryland, February 2008
• Combined Annual Conference for Collision Reconstruction – NAPARS, Houston, Texas, September 2006
• Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) System Operator Training Series – CSI, Chantilly, Virginia, January 2006
• Combined Annual Conference for Collision Reconstruction – NAPARS, Wilmington, Delaware,
• October 2005
• Combined Annual Conference for Collision Reconstruction – NAPARS, Ocean City, Maryland,
• October 2004
• Human Factors in Traffic Crash Reconstruction – IPTM, Jacksonville, Florida, March 2004
• Motor Vehicle Accident Reconstruction – SAE, Troy, Michigan, November 2003
• Fire and Explosion Investigation / NFPA 921 Compliant Training and Certification Addendum Available Upon Request

 

Professional Experience

• RTI Group, LLC, Annapolis, MD, Mechanical Engineer, 2017-Present.
• Mechanical Engineer, Private company,  2016 - Present
• Mechanical Engineer, CED Technologies, Inc., 2001 - 2016
• Marine Engine and Generator Specialist, Bay Shore Marine Engine Service, Inc., 1998 - 2000
• Maintenance Service Provider, Above the Water Line, 1996 - 1998

 

Professional Associations and Activities

• National Association of Professional Accident Reconstruction Specialists (NAPARS)
• American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
• Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
• National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI)

 

Registrations and Licenses

• Registered Professional Engineer, State of Maryland, License No. 31263
• Registered Professional Engineer, State of Delaware, License No. 18806
• Registered Professional Engineer, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, License No. PE081565
• Registered Professional Engineer, Commonwealth of Virginia, License No. 0402055400
• ACTAR, Accredited Traffic Accident Reconstructionist, ACTAR Member No. 2061
• CFEI, Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator, Registration No. 15046-7868v
• CVFI, Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator, Registration No. 15046-7868v

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Author rtiAdmin
23
Oct
Date October 23, 2024

011131 Senior Mechanical Engineering



A Senior Mechanical Engineer specializing in combustion, heat and mass transfer, thermodynamics, and initiation and spread of fire in buildings, vehicles, and aircraft.  His experience includes ignition and flame propagation of liquid fuels; liquid and gaseous fuel explosions; self-heating and pyrolysis of solids; smoldering and transition to flaming; and explosive boiling.

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




Academic Background

  • Ph.D., Aeronautical Engineering, Polytechnic University of Madrid, Spain, 1979

  • Ph.D., Applied Mechanics and Engineering Science, University of California, San Diego, California, 1975

  • M.S., Applied Mechanics and Engineering Science, University of California, San Diego, California, 1973

  • B.S., Aeronautical Engineering, Polytechnic University of Madrid, Spain, 1968


 

Professional Experience

  • Senior Mechanical Engineering Consultant, RTI Group, LLC, Annapolis, MD, 2006-present

  • Associate Dean, Graduate Division, University of California, Berkeley, California, 2003-present

  • Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California, 1986-present

  • Associate Faculty Scientist, Energy and Environment Division, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, 1983-present

  • Expert witness, fire and explosions, 1982-present

  • Consultant to federal and private organizations, 1978-present

  • Senior Mechanical Engineer, FTI Corporation, San Francisco, California, 1989‑2003

  • Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California, 1982-1986

  • Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California, 1980-1982

  • Professional Research staff Member, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, 1977‑1979

  • Research Fellow, Division of Engineering and Applied Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1975-1976

  • Research Assistant, Department of Applied Mechanics and Engineering Sciences, University of California, San Diego, California, 1972-1975

  • Research Engineer, DESCO, Madrid, and Lecturer, School of Aeronautical Engineering, Madrid University, Spain, 1968-1972


Professional Associations and Activities

  • Visiting Scientist, National Center for Research, France, 1993

  • Visiting Scientist, Ministry of International Trade & Industry, Tsukuba, Japan, January 1991

  • Visiting Professor, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia, June 1988

  • Research Associate, National Center for Research, Poitiers, France, Fall 1987

  • Visiting Professor, University of Naples, Naples, Italy, Spring 1987

  • Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Fellowship, 1983

  • Visiting Professor, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan, Fall 1982

  • Pi Tau Sigma Award for Excellence in Teaching 1982

  • U.C. Berkeley Faculty Development Program Grant, 1981

  • Juan March Foundation, Spain, Scholarship, 1974-1975

  • Fulbright Fellowship, 1971-1972

  • Instituto Nacional de Technica Aerospacial Fellowship, 1966-1968

  • The Combustion Institute

  • American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

  • American Society of Mechanical Engineers (Fellow)

  • International Association for Fire Safety Science

  • National Fire Protection Association


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Author rtiAdmin
23
Oct
Date October 23, 2024

011126 Telecommunications Specialist



Telecommunications Specialist for a number of major companies, including AT&T, Verizon, BellSouth, MCI, Covad Communications.

Chubb Insurance, Audubon Insurance and other clients involving telecommunications arbitration and litigation, including extensive experience in xDSL technologies for Internet access, unbundling and leasing of local loop facilities, fiber optic cable and copper cable damage claims, equipment damage claims, patent infringement law suits, class action law suits against major regional telephone companies, and cost estimation efforts to assist in due diligence efforts for other consulting companies.

Corporate experience included setting major corporate strategy, imaginative and innovative problem solving, in-depth analysis, large scale project management involving engineering, physical construction and Information Services systems development. Expert in fiber optics and electronics. Extensive leadership and technical telecommunications background, especially in outside plant Right of Way acquistion, outside plant design, construction, maintenance, xDSL systems, project implementation, cost estimating, network modeling theory, procurement, and logistics. Experienced lecturer and producer of material for presentations to customers and senior management, and in writing strategic position papers.




Academic Background

  • Penn State Graduate School of Business, University Park, Pennsylvania Executive Development Program, 1988.

  • Purdue University Graduate School of Business, West Lafayette, Indiana MBA, Marketing & Finance, 1970 – 1971.

  • United States Military Academy, West Point, New York BS, Electrical & Mechanical Engineering, 1962 – 1966.


Professional Experience

Telecommunications Specialist, RTI Group, LLC, Annapolis, MD, 2010 – Present.

Private telecommunication company, New York, President, 1996 – Present.

NYNEX (currently part of Verizon), New York City, New York, General Manager, Plug-In Management, 1994 – 1996.

NYNEX, New York City, New York, Managing Director, Engineering & Construction Methods & Systems, 1991 to 1994.

NYNEX, Albany, New York Director of Operations, Engineering & Construction, Northeastern Region, New York, 1989 – 1991.

NYNEX, Albany, New York Director, Customer Services Staff, Upstate New York, 1989.

NYNEX, New York City, New York Director of Operations, Engineering & Facilities Assignment Centers, Midtown Manhattan, 1987 – 1989.

New York Telephone Company, New York City, New York, Staff Manager, Corporate Staff, Outside Plant Engineering Methods, 1982 – 1985.

New York Telephone Company, Garden City, New York, Staff Manager, Long Island Area Staff, 1980 – 1982.

New York Telephone Company, Garden City, New York, Engineering Manager, Nassau County 1974 – 1980.

New York Telephone Company, Long Island, New York, Field Manager, Cable Maintenance and Construction, Nassau & Suffolk Counties, 1972 – 1974.

United States Army Signal Corps, Germany; Vietnam; Fayetteville, North Carolina, Captain, 1966 – 1970.

Professional Associations and Activities

  • New York City Technical College, 1987 – 1993.  Brooklyn, New York Adjunct Professor of Telecommunications, Chairman of the Transmission Laboratory, Member of the Telecommunications Executive Committee, Member of the Board.

  • Shenendehowa School Board, 1991.  Clifton Park, New York Served on the Technology Planning Committee for the local school board.

  • AM/FM International, 1993 – 1994.  Boulder, Colorado Member of Executive Management Board, representing the telecommunications industry for the world’s largest organization of digitized mapping and facilities management professionals.

  • Member of Various Other Organizations.  MENSA High IQ Society, IEEE, Amateur Radio Emergency Services group.

  • American Legion, 2001 – Present.  Garden City, New York Commander – William Bradford Turner Post No. 265.


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Author rtiAdmin
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