Metallurgical Mechanical Engineer Expert Witness

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering – Focus in Mechanics of Materials
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering – Focus in Thermal Sciences University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

Bachelor of Science (Cum Laude), Mechanical Engineering
University of California, Irvine CA

DEPOSITION AND TRIAL EXPERIENCE

Warren vs. Kaiser, July 2015 Deposition and Binding Arbitration
Pimientos vs. Poly-Ag / Politiv, February- May 2016 Deposition and Trial
Aviles vs. Greenbrier / Dollar Tree Inc: Deposition taken in April 2017
FSS vs. Viking Corporation: Deposition taken May 2017
Becerra vs. ITW: Deposition taken March 2019
Hazard vs. ATP et al: Deposition and Trial Testimony, Fall 2019
Luzzi vs. Sullivan et al: Deposition, December 2019
Vu vs. DFS Flooring et al: Deposition, January 2020
Purcell v. LCDC Restaurant Group et al: Deposition, February 2021

TEACHING AND RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

University of Southern California – Faculty Lecturer: Failure Analysis of Materials Fall 2014
University of Southern California – Faculty Lecturer: Strength of Materials Fall 2016
Kars’ Academy – Metallurgical / Materials Science PE Review Course 2016 – 2021
University of Southern California – Faculty Lecturer: Failure Analysis of Materials Spring 2017
University of Southern California – Faculty Lecturer: Strength of Materials Fall 2017
University of Southern California – Faculty Lecturer: Failure Analysis of Materials Spring 2019
University of Southern California – Faculty Lecturer: Strength of Materials Fall 2019
University of Southern California – Faculty Lecturer: Fatigue and Fracture Spring 2020
University of Southern California – Faculty Lecturer: Failure Analysis of Materials Fall 2020
University of Southern California – Faculty Lecturer: Fatigue and Fracture Spring 2021

WORK EXPERIENCE

Principal Mechanical and Metallurgical Engineer
September 2013-Present
Registered Professional Mechanical and Metallurgical/Materials Engineer in the State of California
Failure Analysis Inspection investigations related to litigation and insurance claim matters
Failure Analysis Investigation Lead: Worked on over 200 claims and failure analysis investigations
Root cause analysis
Microscopic examination of failed surfaces
Stress Analysis
Mechanical Testing / Materials Characterization
Performed Fractography analysis, SEM and light microscopy for failure analysis investigations
Advised on failure modes and stress states for specific investigations
Computed Tomography and X-Ray evaluation of failed electrical components

Composites Research Manager: Materia Inc.,
September 2012-September 2013
Presently (2013 onward) have a continued relationship as a research consultant for materials development
Managed research activities related to Proxima/ pDCPD resin systems for use in windblade, oil and gas applications
Mechanical test method development for composites and neat polymer systems
Implemented abrasion testing capabilities and orchestrated purchases of thermal analysis equipment
Designed experiments related to high temperature aging in wet and dry environments to understand property retention of polymers
Part of management team used to commercialize Proxima Polymers for various applications

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Graduate Research Assistant: McGill Composites Center at USC (composites.usc.edu) 2007-2012
Performed independent research on the mechanical behavior and failure mechanisms of polymer composites used in reinforced conductors
Utilized different failure characterization techniques including light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, acoustic emission, high speed video capture, and digital image correlation
Expert in use of mechanical test machines- Impact, fatigue, high temperature, static loading.
Used high temperature environmental chambers to perform long term creep tests
Simulation work utilizing commercial finite element software (SolidWorks, Abaqus)

Undergraduate Research: UCI Combustion Laboratory 2005-2006
Assisted a PhD student in flow measurement and analysis of microturbine fuel injectors which demonstrated the capability to run on alternative fuel systems

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Failure Analysis
Photographic Documentation
X-Ray Radiography
SolidWorks, CAD, Volume Graphics
Proficient in use of mechanical test machines
Light microscopy
Scanning electron microscopy (JEOL 6610, JSM 7001F)
Spectroscopy – FTIR & Micro-Raman
X-ray Fluorescence
Metallography: polishing and mounting SEM samples
Machine Shop use of mill, lathe, cutting and drilling tools

SERVICE AND ACTIVITIES

Technical Reviewer for paper submissions to Journal of Failure Analysis and Prevention
Technical Reviewer for paper submissions to NAFE Journal
Member of Failure Analysis Society
Member of National Academy of Forensic Engineers
Registered Professional Mechanical and Metallurgical Engineer in the State of California
Member of Associated Society of Metals (ASM)
Member of American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
Member of Associated Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)