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Posts classified under: Expert Witness Directory

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

011124 Environmental Engineer



An Environmental Engineer specializing in a diversity of environmental disciplines including water, wastewater, and stormwater design, permitting, and regulatory compliance, groundwater remediation, air pollution control, solid and hazardous waste management, spill prevention and response, industrial hygiene, and safety management, with an emphasis on environmental, health, and safety regulatory compliance in the Aviation and Aerospace industry.




Academic Background

• University of Central Florida, Bachelor of Science, Environmental Engineering, and Engineering Leadership Minor, 2010
• Brevard Community College, Associate of Arts, 2002

 

Professional Experience

• RTI Group, LLC, Annapolis, MD, Environmental Engineer, 2016 - present.

• Private airplane company, Environmental, Health, & Safety Engineer, March 2014 – present.

Drive continuous improvement of environmental, health, and safety programs in a 750,000 SF manufacturing facility. Track and report safety performance metrics (i.e., MIR, DART, number of injuries/near misses) to executive leadership team. In first year, reduced medical incident rate by 31% and number of injuries by 63%. Prepare and conduct all environmental, health, and safety training and lead accident investigation committee. Ensure compliance with all applicable environmental laws, regulations, and permits including RCRA, CERCLA, SARA, EPCRA, NPDES, Clean Air Act, and Clean Water Act. Conduct routine environmental compliance inspections (RCRA, industrial pretreatment inspections, SPCC, SWPPP, Toxic Organic Management).

Conduct monthly sampling for City of Vero Beach (COVB) wastewater permit compliance. Conduct quarterly sampling, interpret results, and prepare required reports for EPA Superfund NPL Site Compliance. Lead continued remediation efforts for EPA Superfund NPL Site. Maintain SPCC and SWPPP Program. Prepare and submit FDEP FESOP Air Permit applications. Prepare annual Air Operating Reports for FDEP FESOP Air Permit and submit COVB Wastewater Permit applications. Conduct industrial hygiene sampling (noise, Cr6, mold, asbestos), interpret results and implement engineering controls to reduce or eliminate exposure hazards. Lead hexavalent chromium elimination efforts.

Review new processes and equipment for potential impact to environmental operating permits. Responsible for all hazardous waste manifests and hazardous waste shipments. Prepare and submit annual EPCRA Section 302, 311, 312, and 313 reporting. Prepare hazardous waste biennial reports. Prepare Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) and Form R Reports for EPA. Respond to accidental discharges/releases to stormwater or wastewater. Maintain HAZWOPER certification for spill response. Prepare and update Emergency Response Plan and RCRA Contingency Plan. Acted as Incident Commander during hurricane contingency operations.

• MBV Engineering, Environmental Engineering Project Manager, August 2010 to March 2014. Florida Department of Environmental Health (FDEP) and domestic/industrial water, wastewater, and air permitting. St. Johns Water Management District (SJRWMD) Environmental Resource and NPDES permitting. Department of Health septic system permitting. Non-compliance resolution with EPA, FDEP, St. Johns Water Management District, and various local agencies. Prepare and submit required reports to local, state, and federal agencies.

Data analysis and reporting of historical sampling results to determine compliance with permits and regulations. Water and wastewater treatment plant design, improvements and rehabilitation, plant optimization, plant inspections and asset evaluations. Facility safety inspections. Pressure and storage tank inspections.

Lift station design, sanitary and force main line extensions. Author Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs), SPCC Plans, SWPPP Plans, facility operation & maintenance manuals, preventative maintenance manuals, and air annual operating reports. Preparation of Capital Improvement Plans. Paving, grading, drainage, and site plan design. Hydrologic and hydraulic modeling (ICPR and FDOT pipe sizing calculations). Stormwater system inspection, preparation of stormwater evaluation reports with recommendations.

 

• City of Cocoa Utilities Department, Engineering Intern, 2009 to 2010. Performed inspections and prepared inspection reports for City assets such as lift stations, potable & wastewater treatment plants, etc. Assisted project managers on active construction jobs for 6,500 lineal feet of 8” water main replacement on Florida State Road A1A. Reviewed and approved pay requests. Conducted research on potable water and wastewater distribution systems for a city asset assessment. Researched lift stations, pump size and manufacturers, created detailed maintenance manual to be used for utility operations and during emergency events

 

• Siemens Energy, Environmental Systems & Services, Engineering Intern, 2008 to 2009. Supported the Environmental Systems and Services department with design and application of air pollution control components for coal-powered power plants. Assisted the marketing group and product managers with proposal development, research of EPA Clean Air Act emission requirements, identifying target customers, and successful completion of 3,000-mailer marketing campaign.

 

• Dynamac Corporation (Kennedy Space Center Life Science Lab), Engineering Technologist, Multiple Temporary Positions 2002 to 2008. Responsible for monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintaining appropriate environmental conditions in hydroponic chambers. Conducted Field and Lab Sampling - Water quality sampling, gas/air sampling, and microbial sampling (IC, ICP, GC/MS, Optical Microscopy).

Registrations and Licenses

• State of Florida, Professional Engineer, Environmental (PE-80462)
• American Heart Association, First Aid, CPR, AED
• HAZWOPER 40-Hour Certification
• OSHA 10-Hour Certification #20-701368480

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Author rtiAdmin
23
Oct
Date October 23, 2024

011114 Chemical, Metallurgical, and Nuclear Engineer



Chemical, Metallurgical, and Nuclear Engineer with more than twenty years' experience. He specializes in forensic engineering accident analysis; materials and metallurgical consulting; industrial materials applications and design failures; electrical fire source determination; and archeo-materials investigations.  He is experienced in multiple engineering disciplines and potential impacts of materials, high temperature, environmental, and circumstantial conditions.

This expert has provided expert testimony as to his findings in courts of law in the United States and internationally.




Academic Background

  • Post Doctoral Research Associate in Metallurgy, Stanford University

  • Ph.D., Metallurgy, Stanford University

  • M.S., Chemical Engineering, Minor Petroleum Engineering, U.C. Berkeley

  • B.S., Chemical Engineering, U.C. Berkeley

  • B.S., Chemistry, University of San Francisco


 

Registrations

  • Registered Metallurgical Engineer. California

  • Registered Nuclear Engineer, California

  • Licensed Private Investigator, California


 

Professional Honor Organizations

  • Alpha Chi Sigma

  • Tau Beta Pi

  • Sigma Xi

  • American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), Chairman of Engineering Sciences Section, 2004-2005 and 1996-1997

  • American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), Founders Award by ESS Section, 2005


 

Professional Experience

  • Principal Engineer, RTI Group, LLC, Annapolis, Maryland, 2006-present

  • Principal Engineer, FTI Corporation, Annapolis, Maryland, 1999-2003

  • President, private consulting company,  1999 – present

  • Professor Emeritus, Department of Materials Engineering, SJSU

  • Research Engineer, U.S. Naval Radiological Defense Laboratory, San Francisco

  • Chemist, Arabian American Oil Company, Saudi Arabia


 

Professional Associations and Activities

  • Past President/Fellow, National Academy of Forensic Engineers

  • Founding Member/Past President/Secretary-Treasurer, The Society

  • of Forensic Engineers and Scientists

  • Past Chairman, American Institute of Metallurgical Engineers

  • Past Chairman, The American Academy of Forensic Sciences

  • American Nuclear Society

  • International Association of Arson Investigators

  • National Society of Professional Engineers

  • National Associate of Corrosion Engineers

  • Society of Plastics Engineers

  • Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering

  • Society of Automotive Engineers

  • Society of Wood Science and Technology

  • American Society of Metals

  • American Chemical Society

  • American Institute of Chemical Engineering

  • American Ceramic Society

  • American Welding Society

  • American Institute of Archaeology

  • The Forensic Society, England

  • The Materials Research Society


 

This expert has published professional papers; and holds patents in high temperature reprocessing of nuclear fuels, nuclear reactor, and extraction of reactive metals from their ores.

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Author rtiAdmin
23
Oct
Date October 23, 2024

011163 Aerospace, Biotechnology and Fluid Mechanics



A professor of Fluid Mechanics and a  distinguished Aerospace/Biotechnology/Fluid Mechanics Consultant with more than twenty-five years experience.  Knowledgeable in the areas of aerospace engineering, biotechnology, fluid mechanics, ballistics astronautics, computational physics, numerical science, biomechanical engineering, hydrodynamics, and numerous other sciences and technologies.

 

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




Academic Background

  • Ph.D., Fluid Mechanics, The Johns Hopkins University, 1979

  • M.S., Numerical Science, The Johns Hopkins University, 1974

  • B.S., Mathematics/Physics, Rollins College, 1969


 

Awards and Honors

  • Who’s Who in America, 58th ed., 2004

  • Fellow, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 2001

  • Fellow, American Physical Society, 1994

  • Associate Fellow, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1990

  • NSF Presidential Young Investigator Award, 1984-89

  • Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship, 1985-86


 

Professional Experience

  • Aerospace, Biotechnology and Fluid Mechanics Consultant, RTI Group, LLC, Annapolis, Maryland, 2006-present

  • Professor, Georgia Institute of Technology, The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, 1990-present; Chair, Fluid Mechanics Research Area, 1991-97

  • CNRS Professeur Invité, Université d’Aix-Marseille 2, Institut de Mécanique des Fluides, 1995

  • Professor, Arizona State University, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, 1989-90; Associate Professor, 1983-89; Assistant Professor, 1979-83

  • Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellow, Universität Karlsruhe, Institut für Strömungslehre und Strömungsmaschinen, 1985-86

  • Visiting Professor, Imperial College of Science & Technology, Department of Mathematics, 1986

  • Aerospace Engineer, U.S. Army Ballistic Research Laboratory, Terminal Ballistics Division, Shaped Charge Branch, 1978-79

  • Aerospace Engineer, Launch and Flight Division, Fluid Dynamics Research Group, 1977-78

  • Aerospace Engineer, Exterior Ballistics Laboratory, Free-Flight Aerodynamics Branch, 1972-77

  • Mathematician, Exterior Ballistics Laboratory, Firing Tables Branch, 1969-72


 

Professional Associations and Activities

  • The American Physical Society (Fellow)

  • American Society of Mechanical Engineers (Fellow)

  • American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (Associate Fellow)

  • American Association for the Advancement of Science

  • Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society

  • Pi Tau Sigma (honorary member)

  • Referee, Journal of Fluid Mechanics; The Physics of Fluids; The Physical Review; AIAA Journal; SIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics; Journal of Computational Physics; Journal of Fluids Engineering; Journal of Biomechanical Engineering; Physical Review Letters; Applied Physics Letters; International Journal of Multiphase Flow; Journal of Applied Mechanics; Biorheology; Journal of Aircraft; Journal of Crystal Growth; Fluid Dynamics Research; Chemical Engineering Science; Computers & Fluids; American Journal of Physics; Numerical Heat Transfer; Journal of Tribology; Metallurgical and Materials Transactions; European Journal of Mechanics B/Fluids; Theoretical & Computational Fluid Dynamics; International Journal of Thermal Sciences; Journal of Membrane Science

  • Reviewer, National Science Foundation; National Research Council, Army Research Office; National Aeronautics and Space Administration; US Department of Energy

  • Member, Space Station Utilization Advisory Subcommittee, NASA Advisory Council, 1995 – 1999

  • Chair, Discipline Working Group on Fluid Physics, NASA Office of Biological and Physical Research, 1997 – 2002 (Member, 1991 – 2004)

  • Member, Physical Sciences Advisory Subcommittee, NASA Office of Biological and Physical Research, 1997 – 2004

  • Member, ASME/Applied Mechanics Division Technical Committee on Mechanics of Materials Processing and Manufacturing

  • Organizing Committee, SIAM Fall Meeting, Arizona State University, Oct. 28-30, 1985

  • Organizing Committee, Fifth Taylor-Vortex Flow Working Party, Arizona State University, March 25-27, 1987

  • Member, Selection Committee, Otto Laporte Award, American Physical Society, 1989-91

  • Organizing Committee, Forty-Fourth Meeting of the Division of Fluid Dynamics, American Physical Society, Arizona State University, November, 1991

  • International Scientific Committee, Chapman Conference on Double-Diffusive Convection, Scottsdale, November, 1993

  • Co-Organizer, Symposium on Surface-Tension-Driven Flows, ASME Winter Annual Meeting, New Orleans, November, 1993

  • Chair, Organizing Committee, Forty-Seventh Meeting of the Division of Fluid Dynamics, American Physical Society, Georgia Institute of Technology, November, 1994

  • Organizing Committee, Ninth International Conference on Numerical Methods in Laminar and Turbulent Flow, Georgia Institute of Technology, July, 1995.

  • Scientific Committee, Joint Xth European and VIth Russian Symposium on Physical Sciences in Microgravity, St. Petersburg, Russia, June, 1997

  • Organizing Committee, Interfaces for the Twenty-First Century, Monterey, August, 1999

  • Member, Task Group on Institutional Arrangements for Space Station Research, Space Studies Board, National Research Council, 1999.

  • Member, Study Team, International Space Station Operations and Utilization Architecture Study, commissioned by NASA, 2000.

  • Member, On-Orbit Evaluation Board (International Space Station), NASA Johnson Space Flight Center, 2000-present

  • Organizing Committee, Conference on Selected Topics in Interfacial Phenomena in Physico-Chemical and Bio Processes (IMA Conference 2001, Giessen, Germany)

  • External Advisory Board, Space Medicine and Life Sciences Research Center, Morehouse School of Medicine, 2000-present

  • Vice Chair, Gordon Conference on Gravitational Effects in Physico-Chemical Systems, July, 2003

  • Co-Chair Minisymposium on Microgravity Flow Phenomena, International Congress on Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, Warsaw, Poland, August, 2004

  • Chair, Gordon Conference on Engineering Sciences for Space Exploration, August, 2005

  • Chair, Acrivos Dissertation Award Committee, American Physical Society, 2006


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Author rtiAdmin
22
Oct
Date October 22, 2024

011271 Senior Air Traffic Control Specialist



Summary
Senior Air Traffic Control Specialist has been involved or working in the field of Aviation for over 32 years.   His background includes not only being a pilot but working as a senior Air Traffic Control Specialist for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) at various locations for the past 26 years.  During which time he also served as an Air Safety Investigator for the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), providing ATC expertise in numerous investigations of both accidents and incidents conducted by the NTSB. His flying experience includes multiple ratings and licenses including Airline Transport Pilot and Flight Instructor accumulating 2,100 hours flight time.




Teaching / Instruction
• Associate Instructor at the Transportation Safety Institute in Oklahoma City, OK. Specialize in teaching courses directed toward air traffic control and human factors, 2001 – Present.
• Guest Instructor for the Air Line Pilot’s Association (ALPA) at the ALPA Advanced Accident Investigation Course, 2001- 2009.
• Associate Instructor at the Southern California Safety Institute teaching Air Traffic Control Investigation, 2001 – Present.
• Represented NATCA at NTSB Runway Safety Forum, 2007.
• Represented NATCA at NTSB UAS Forum, 2008.

Professional Experience
• RTI Group, LLC, Annapolis, MD, Senior Air Traffic Control Specialist, 2018 to present.
• Appointed FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) Aviation Safety Councilor. 1997 – Present.
• Relocated to Tampa International Airport (tower/radar approach control) in February 2015, retired in January 2018.
• Detailed to the FAA ATSAP as an analyst 2008-2010.
• Relocated to Cleveland ARTCC in July 2002 and continued employment until February 2015.
• Air Traffic Controller for EAA “Airventure” fly-in at Oshkosh, WI. 2000 – 2001.
• Graduated in February 1992 as an Air Traffic Control Specialist, relocated to Akron-Canton Regional Airport (tower/radar approach control) in March 1992 and continued employment until July 2002.
• Attended the FAA Air Traffic Academy in Oklahoma City from October 1991 until February 1992.

Professional Associations and Activities
National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA)
• Selected as Air Safety Investigator for the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. As an Air Safety Investigator, I have worked with the NTSB as an ATC expert on numerous accident/incident investigations, 1994.
• Appointed Chairman of NATCA’s Air Safety Investigation Committee. As Chairman, it is my responsibility to oversee the entire accident investigation program for NATCA and ensure that the investigators are up-to-date on air safety investigation training, 2001 – 2009.

International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI)
• Member of International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI), 1996 – Present.
• Two-term Chairman of ISASI Air Traffic Services Working Group (ATSWG). As Chairman, it was my duty to facilitate these international meetings promoting improved aviation safety and accident investigation approaches, 1999 – 2003.

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
• Air Traffic Management and Runway Safety Representative to ICAO Asian Pacific and Middle-Eastern Regions. As representative, it was my duty to deliver safety critical information at the ICAO Safety Awareness Regional Meetings in Cairo, Egypt and Singapore, 2003.

East Central Ohio Pilot’s Association
• Member of the East Central Ohio Pilot’s Association, 1994 – Present.
• President of East Central Ohio Pilot’s Association, 2002.
• Received ECOPA Meritorious Service Award, 2003.

Honors and Awards
• Awarded “Oshkosh Rookie Controller of the Year” in 2000.
• Received FAA Administrators Safety Award 2009.
• Received FAA Administrators Transportation Safety Award 2013.

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Author rtiAdmin
22
Oct
Date October 22, 2024

011280 Senior Certified Fire Investigator



He is a retired Senior Special Agent and Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) with the United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). He has 34 years of law enforcement experience at both the local and federal level and also served as a volunteer firefighter.

He has participated in the examination and investigation of over 900 fire scenes. These scene investigations involved fires in motor vehicles, residential and commercial structures in various locations throughout the United States.

In addition, he has observed and participated in over 260 test fires for investigative, research, training and demonstration purposes. He is currently certified by the IAAI as a Certified Fire Investigator. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from George Mason University and a second bachelor’s degree in Fire Science from the University of Maryland University College.

He has testified as an expert witness in fire origin and cause in both Federal and State courts and has extensive experience investigating a wide range of fires and conducting research and testing in support of fire investigations. In addition, he has served as the lead agent in numerous arson investigations that were prosecuted at both the local and federal level.

In 1979, he began his law enforcement career with the Fairfax County Police Department as a police cadet and later attended the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy and was assigned to the Patrol Division. In December of 1987, he accepted a position as a federal criminal investigator with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and attended the Criminal Investigator School at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) as well as other specialized training courses while working for IRS.

In September 1989, he transferred to Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) as an ATF Special Agent and returned to FLETC to attend the ATF Academy. In 1993, he was assigned to the ATF Arson Group in Northern Virginia and began to specialize in fire and arson investigations. These investigations included fuel/air explosions & fires, arson fraud schemes, serial arsons, revenge-motivated arson, and arson homicides. He also participated in several bombing investigations in the Washington DC area.

In 1997, he completed the comprehensive two-year ATF Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) program and was recognized as an expert relating to fire origin and cause. From 1998-2000, he coordinated an ATF Arson Task Force in Washington, DC and worked on a daily basis with the DC Fire Department - providing fire origin and cause support as well as investigative support in arson investigations.

From 2000 to 2005, he was assigned to the ATF Fire Research Laboratory (FRL) in Beltsville, Maryland as the CFI Program Manager. While at the Fire Research Laboratory, he participated in the analysis of dozens of complex arson investigations from across the United States. Many of these cases lead to full-scale forensic fire testing at the FRL in an effort to evaluate ignition scenarios, fire progression, burn patterns and statements made by witnesses and others.

In 2005, he returned to the field and was assigned to ATF’s Baltimore Field Division where he worked as a Senior Special Agent and CFI until his retirement from ATF in January 2014. While in the Baltimore Field Division, he conducted numerous arson investigations across the state of Maryland, many of which involved arson for profit schemes in both commercial and residential properties. He worked closely with state and local investigators as well as state and federal prosecutors which resulted in numerous prosecutions.

As a collateral duty, he was also a member of ATF’s elite National Response Team (NRT) for nearly ten years and participated in the investigation of numerous large-scale fires across the United States which also included a response to the Pentagon in 2001. He also served as the Assistant Team Leader for the NRT (Northeast Team) for a period of four years.

From 2010-2012, served as the president of the Maryland Fire and Explosive Investigators Association (MFEIA) which also serves as the Maryland / DC Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI). He remains an active member of that association as the training coordinator. he has also authored documents related to fire investigations and taught at various fire investigation conferences, the ATF National Academy and the National Fire Academy.

 




Academic Background
University of Maryland University College - Adelphi, Maryland
Bachelor of Science, Fire Science, 2013

George Mason University - Fairfax, Virginia
Bachelor of Science, Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice, 1987

 

Certifications
Certified Fire Investigator (CFI)
International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)

Certified Fire Investigator (CFI)
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives
November 1997

 

Professional Experience
RTI Group, LLC, Annapolis, MD, Senior Certified Fire Investigator, 2018 to present.

Managing Member / Fire Investigator, Expert's Personal Company, January 2014 - Present

Special Agent, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) U.S. Department of Justice, September 1989 - January 2014

Criminal Investigator, Internal Revenue Service, Internal Security Division
December 1987 - September 1989

Police Officer, Fairfax County, Virginia Police Department,
March 1981 - December 1987

Police Cadet, Fairfax County, Virginia Police Department
March 1979 - March 1981

 

Specialized Experience & Assignments

Senior Special Agent / Certified Fire Investigator, ATF Baltimore Field Division
Group I – Arson & Explosives, Baltimore, Maryland, 2005 - 2014

Certified Fire Investigator Program Manager, ATF Fire Research Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, 2000 – 2005

ATF National Response Team (NRT) Member, 1999 - 2009 (Assistant Team Leader, Northeast Team 2005-2009)

Special Agent / Certified Fire Investigator, ATF, Washington Field Division
Arson Task Force, Washington, DC, 1998 – 2000

Volunteer Firefighter, Dunkirk Volunteer Fire Department
Dunkirk, Maryland, 1996 – 1998

Special Agent, ATF, Washington Field Division, Arson & Explosives Group
Falls Church, Virginia, 1993 – 1998

Volunteer Firefighter / Emergency Medical Technician, Burke Volunteer Fire Department, Fairfax County, Virginia, 1976 – 1982

Professional Organizations
Maryland Fire and Explosive Investigators Association (MFEIA)
(MD/DC Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators)
2005- Present
Current President (2017-2018) and Training Coordinator, Past President 2010- 2012

International Association of Arson Investigators, Virginia Chapter
1998 - Present (served as a member of the Board of Directors 1999-2002)

International Association of Arson Investigators, International Chapter
1998 - Present

 

Awards
Department of Treasury, Special Act or Service Award 1990, 1991, 1993, 1998, 2000

ATF Laboratory Employee of the Year (Group Award) 2004

ATF, Sustained Superior Performance 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013

 

Lecturer - Instructor

Delaware Claims Association (2015)

National Fire Academy (2009, 2011, 2012)

ATF Advanced Cause & Origin/Courtroom Techniques (2005)

ATF Accelerant Detection K-9 Seminar (2000), ATF K-9 Center (2007, 2008, 2009)

California Conference of Arson Investigators (1999)

ATF National Response Team Training (1998)

International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), Maryland, Minnesota, Ohio, Virginia, Texas, Tennessee & West Virginia (1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005)

Fort Belvoir Military Police (2000, 2001)

ATF Special Agent Basic Training Program (1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017)

Arson Prosecutors Seminar, (Alexandria, Virginia 2001, Beltsville, MD 2011)

Arson Prosecutors Workshop (ATF Fire Research Laboratory, 2011, 2012)

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Author rtiAdmin
22
Oct
Date October 22, 2024

011321 Senior Mechanical Engineer and Materials Failure Analyst

Mechanical Engineer and Materials expert is a practicing forensic engineer with over 20 years of experience conducting and participating in investigations encompassing a broad range of topics under the umbrella of mechanical engineering and materials performance accidents and failures. His expertise includes determining the role that materials and mechanical components play in such multidisciplinary events as fires, explosions, product failures, transportation accidents, business interruption losses, and personal injury and loss of life incidents.

EDUCATION

University of Maryland

Ph.D.  Mechanical Engineering                                                                                               December 2002

Dissertation – “Modeling the Transition Region Fracture Behavior of Ferritic Steels”

 

M.S.  Mechanical Engineering                                                                                                      August 1999

Thesis – “Influence of Grain Size, Strain Rate and Texture on the Stress-Strain Behavior of Al-Mg Alloy 5086”

 

B.S.  Mechanical Engineering                                                                                                           May 1996

Undergraduate Research – Metallurgical assessment of creep-stress rupture behavior of Ni-Cu alloy K500

EXPERTISE

Failure Analysis

  • Aircraft Components and Systems

  • Airport Ground Transportation

  • Cars and Trucks

  • Consumer Products

  • Cranes, Hoists, and Boom Trucks

  • Electric Power Distribution Equipment

  • Fasteners, Joints, and Welds

  • Gasoline and Diesel Engines

  • Lift Trucks and Heavy Equipment

  • Oil/Gas Industry Equipment

  • Recreational Devices

  • Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Mechanical Systems (Plumbing, Piping, HVAC, Refrigeration, Sprinkler Systems)


 

Fires and Explosions



  • Appliances

  • Cars and Trucks

  • Consumer Products

  • Electric Power Distribution Equipment

  • Farm and Heavy Equipment

  • Fuel Gas Systems

  • Industrial Operations

  • Lithium Batteries

  • Oil/Gas Industry Equipment

  • Petroleum Product Storage Tanks

  • Pressure Vessels


 

Materials Analysis



  • Fatigue, Overload, and Corrosion

  • Material Composition and Alloy Identification

  • Mechanical, Physical, and Thermal Properties

  • Metals, Plastics, Glasses, Ceramics


 

 

 

ASSOCIATIONS

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Member

ASTM International, Member

Aviation Insurance Association (AIA), Member

Flight Safety Foundation, Member

National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI), Member

National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), Member Maryland Chapter

 

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATIONS, TRAINING

Professional Engineer

District of Columbia License

Virginia License

Maryland License

National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI)

Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator No. 23221-13923

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

10-hour General Industry Safety and Health No. 26-707022504

30-hour General Industry Safety and Health No. 26-907246877

Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM)

CDR Tool Technician Training Certification No. 12621055

EXPERIENCE

RTI Group, LLC

Senior Mechanical/Materials Failure Analyst                                                            2020 - Present

Utilized the scientific method and various engineering principles to conduct forensic investigations and technical analyses of: mechanical systems, components, and materials failures; transportation (automobile, aviation, marine), product, workplace, recreational, and industrial accidents/incidents; fires and explosions in support of insurance claim analysis and civil litigation

 

Personal Company

Mechanical/Materials Engineer                                                                                         January 2020 – Present

Utilize the scientific method and various engineering principles to conduct forensic investigations and technical analyses of: mechanical systems, components, and materials failures; transportation (automobile, aviation, marine), product, workplace, recreational, and industrial accidents/incidents; fires and explosions in support of insurance claim analysis and civil litigation

 

RTI Group, LLC

Director of Engineering and Research                                                                           January 2015 – July 2018

Director of Mechanical Engineering                                                                    September 2011 – January 2015

Mechanical/Materials Failure Analyst                                                            September 2008 – September 2011

Utilized the scientific method and various engineering principles to conduct forensic investigations and technical analyses of: mechanical systems, components, and materials failures; transportation (automobile, aviation, marine), product, workplace, recreational, and industrial accidents/incidents; fires and explosions in support of insurance claim analysis and civil litigation

 

Independent Consultant                                                                    March 2005 – September 2008

Investigated product and mechanical systems component failures in support of insurance claim analysis.

Developed a computational, predictive model of ferritic steel fracture toughness versus temperature to bridge microscale dislocation behavior with macroscale continuum stress response.

 

Structural Integrity Associates

Engineering Associate                                                                                                     May 2004 – March 2005

Supported existing projects related to the core business of detection, characterization, and mitigation of service induced damage in steel components used by the energy industry.

 

SEA Limited and FTI/SEA Consulting

Project Engineer, Mechanical                                                                                  October 2002 – January 2004

Employed the scientific method and various engineering principles in the forensic investigation of equipment and materials failures/accidents over a broad range of industries.

 

CONTINUING EDUCATION

American Welding Society

Destructive Testing, June 2021

Metallurgy II, April 2021

The Science of Nondestructive Testing, June 2021

Understanding Welding Symbols, November 2021

Welding Fundamentals I, June 2021

Welding Fundamentals II, June 2021

Continuing Education & Development, Inc.

Basic Direct Current (DC) Theory, January 2019

Grounding System Theory and Practice, January 2019

Corrosion: Overview, January 2019

Engineering Ethics Case Study: The Challenger Disaster, May 2020

Material Properties and Corrosion, May 2020

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Canvas Network

Aviation 101, February 2019

Delft University of Technology and edX

TUDF-FE01x: Forensic Engineering: Learning from Failures, February 2019

DelftX-AEASM1x: Introduction to Aerospace Structures and Materials, March 2021

International Association of Arson Investigators, Inc and CFITrainer.net

The Scientific Method for Fire and Explosion Investigation, May 2019

Introduction to Evidence, May 2019

Residential Natural Gas Systems, August 2017

Investigating Natural Gas Systems, August 2017

Explosion Dynamics, August 2017

Documenting the Event, April 2018

Motor Vehicles: The Engine and the Ignition, Electrical, and Fuel Systems, October 2018

Motor Vehicles: Transmission, Exhaust, Brake, and Accessory Systems, October 2018

Investigating Motor Vehicle Fires, October 2018.

Fire Chemistry, May 2019

Physical Evidence at the Fire Scene, May 2019

Introduction to Fire Dynamics and Modeling, May 2019

Fire Protection Systems, May 2019

J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.

Entry-Level Driver Training Module 03: Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections, June 2021

Entry-Level Driver Training Module 20: Maintenance, June 2021

Loading & Unloading: Straight Truck Series, June 2021

Vehicle Inspections: Straight Truck Series, June 2021
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Author rtiAdmin
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