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McDowell Owens Forensic Engineering

McDowell Owens Engineering, Inc. is a multi-disciplinary, nationwide forensic fire investigations engineering firm. Since 1986, we have provided comprehensive, unbiased forensic engineering and failure analysis services. Over the decades, we have worked with public and private clients in the legal, oil and gas, insurance, electrical, and petrochemical industries.

As established leaders in the field, McDowell Owens professional engineers, fire scientists, and consultants are experts in forensic failure analysis. Our clients rely on us to conduct thorough investigations to produce a multi-disciplinary analysis in the wake of any incident or disaster.

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Written by: Mcdowell Owens Integrated Forensic Engineering
Category: Uncategorised
Published: 17 May 2018
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  • Overview
  • Continuing Education
  • Certifications

Michael Ennor

Laboratory Manager

Senior Mechanical Technician


Michael Ennor is an experienced inspector and analyst. He focuses on engineering and automotive mechanics, robotic technology, mock-up & model building, quality control inspections, and tractor/truck ECM data recovery and DOT Inspections.

Mike’s work with Boeing, NASA and the Space Station Project gave him unique experience and knowledge in complicated design and drawing interpretation, airframes and hydraulic systems. Mike is active and experienced in vehicle crash data recovery (CDR), and vehicle maintenance. Michael holds many certifications including those listed below.

Selected Publications and Presentations

  • Kemah Police Department, Introduction to Recovery, Black Box Data, March 2005
  • League City Police Officers Training, Use of Black Box & CDR Recovery, March 2005
  • National Association of Fleet Administration, M. Ennor, Black Box Data, December 2004
  • Texas Motor Transportation Association, M. Ennor and P. Smith, Black Box Data, October 2004
  • Houston Council of Safety Professionals, M. Ennor, Black Box Data, 2004
  • Houston Area Department of Public Safety (DPS), Brake Dyno, Training, 2004
  • Capital Area Trial Lawyers Association, Black Box Data, 2003
  • HCA, Houston Claims Association, Black Box Data, 2003
  • West Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, Auto Cases and the Little Black Box, June 6-7, 2002
  • Annual NCA Seminar during Jazz Fest: New Routes to Success in Auto Collision Cases, M. Ennor, Crash Data Recovery Fundamentals, May 2-4, 2002
  • American Trial Lawyers Association, Black Box Data, October 2001
  • AIMS International 2001 Safety Seminar, January 2001
  • Houston Trial Lawyers Association, M. Ennor, R. Swint, Black Box Data, April 2000
MichaelEnnor
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Education

  • Columbia Jr. College, Columbia, California
  • Detroit Diesel ECM Data Recovery, Analysis, Inc.
  • AIMS Safety Seminar Greenville Technical College
  • DPS Level 1 Truck and Trailer Inspection Training, Houston Community College
  • SAE On-Board Diagnostics, TOPTEC, Indianapolis, IN
  • Society of Automotive Engineers (S.A.E.)
  • Amusement Ride Safety Inspector NAARSO, Level 1
  • Crash Data Retrieval (Certified)
  • Aviation Structural Mechanic
  • Airframes and Hydraulics Systems Maintenance Mechanic
  • Aircraft Corrosion Control / Paint and Final Finish / Specialist
  • Principles of Quality Assurance, Inspector
  • NASA Confined Space Entry
  • Class II Forklift Operator, Certified
  • Mechanical Torquing, Specialist, Certification
  • Electrical Torque, Specialist, Certification
  • Alodine Touchup, Specialist, Certification
  • OSHA, Below the Hook, Inspection
  • Orbital Tube Welding, Specialist, Trainer & Certified
  • Electrical Bonding, Specialist, Certification
  • Clean Room Operations (300K), Specialist, Certification
  • Detroit Diesel ECM Data Retrieval
  • Parts Specialist - Automobile Parts, ASE Certified
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Written by: Mcdowell Owens Integrated Forensic Engineering
Category: Uncategorised
Published: 17 May 2018
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MATTHEW J. GEISTFELD

MATTHEW J. GEISTFELD

M.SC., P.E., C.F.E.I.

Consulting Engineer

  • Footer Phone 832-831-2910
  • Footer Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Footer Map740 East 13th Street Houston, Texas 77008
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Electrical and Mechanical System Analysis, Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Power Systems

  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, State University of New York Maritime College, 2007.
  • Master of Science in Engineering Management, Old Dominion University, 2017.
  • US Navy Nuclear Engineering Program (Nuclear Power, Reactor Operator, Electronics/Electrical Engineering).
  • US Navy Retired – Naval Submarine Warfare Officer. Career experience in nuclear, electrical and electronic systems as well as vessel operation and navigation. Operational and administrative positions at the Naval Oceanography Center and Naval Oceanography Operations Command.
  • Primary areas of consultation include electrical and electronic systems, AC/DC power systems and mechanical utility systems including: pressurized systems, pressure vessels, power boilers, power turbines, pumps, heat exchangers and shipboard and marine engineering systems.
  • Residential construction, foundation and roof inspections related to construction defect, water intrusion/damage and foundation failure/deflection analysis.
  • Experience including gas engine and electric motor driven reciprocating compressors; gas turbine and high speed electric driven centrifugal gas compressors; shipboard power systems and instrumentation system evaluations including failure mitigation; pump and compressor power and control system evaluations; maintenance activities for oxygen compression systems, synthetic gas regeneration systems, and plant power distribution system; and installation of premium efficiency motors, alternative power generation (cryogenic turboexpanders), and load shedding schemes.
  • Experiences include detailed on-site analyses, repair scope and specification development, acceptance testing, validation and equipment re-commissioning. Analyses are conducted according to current NETA, API, IEEE, and NEMA other applicable standards.
  • 2022 - Present

    AMAZON DATA SERVICES, INC.

    Regional Field Engineer. Provide a variety of engineering services in support of regional Data Centers (e.g., audits, root cause analysis, corrective actions, design and construction support, et cetera).

  • 2017 - Present

    MCDOWELL OWENS ENGINEERING, INC.

    Consultant - Consulting Engineer. Areas of primary interest include: electrical (AC/DC) and electronic systems, electrical and mechanical utility systems to include: pressure vessels, power boilers, power turbines, pressurized fluid systems and shipboard and marine engineering systems. Shipboard systems and navigation.

  • 1997 - 2017

    UNITED STATES NAVY

    Naval Submarine Warfare Officer. Assignments included numerous training commands, tours of duty onboard three submarines, and operational/ administrative positions at the Naval Oceanography Mine Warfare Center and Naval Oceanography Operations Command.

  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, State University of New York Maritime College, Bronx, New York, 2007.
  • Master of Science in Engineering Management, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, 2017.
  • US Navy Nuclear Engineering, (Nuclear Power, Reactor Operator, Electronics/Electrical Engineering), various 2008-2013
  • Licensed Professional Engineer
    • Alabama

      No. 50217

    • Florida

      No. 92898

    • Georgia

      No. 47740

    • Louisiana

      No. 46101

    • Mississippi

      No. 32396

    • Oklahoma

      No. 32894

    • Texas

      No. 131095

  • Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (C.F.E.I.)
    National Association of Fire Investigators (N.A.F.I.)
    2018 by examination
    N.A.F.I. No. 23478-13441
  • Federal Aviation Administration, Remote Pilot, Small Unmanned Aircraft System. Certificate No. 4148174
  • MK 18 Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Family of Systems Operator and Maintenance School, San Diego, California, March – May 2013
  • Navy Operational Risk Management and Safety, Jacksonville, Florida, January 2013
  • Submarine Officers and Supervisors Quality Maintenance, Silverdale, Washington, February 2011
  • Naval Nuclear Power Prototype Training, Goose Creek, South Carolina, July – December 2008
  • Naval Nuclear Power School, Goose Creek, South Carolina, January – June 2008
  • Naval Science Institute, Providence, Rhode Island, April – June 2004
  • Submarine Force Quality Assurance Inspector, Groton, Connecticut, November 2002
  • Electronics Technician Maintenance School, Groton, Connecticut, April – May 2001
  • Naval Nuclear Power Prototype Training (Reactor Operator), Ballston Spa, New York, January – July 1999
  • Naval Nuclear Power School (Electronics), Orlando, Florida, June – December 1998
  • Nuclear Electronics Technician “A” School, Orlando, Florida, December 1997 – June 1998
  • Submarine, Nuclear Reactor Plant (Critical Reactor Plant):
    • Auxiliary Electrician Aft
    • Electrical Operator
    • Reactor Technician
    • Reactor Operator
    • Engineering Watch Supervisor
    • Engineering Officer of the Watch
  • Submarine, Nuclear Reactor Plant (Shutdown Reactor Plant):
    • Shutdown Electrical Operator
    • Shutdown Reactor Operator
    • Engineering Duty Officer
  • Navy Maintenance and Material Management Qualifications (3M Program):
    • Work Center Supervisor
    • Division Officer
  • Navy Quality Maintenance Program Qualifications (QA Program):
    • Steam Plant Inspector
    • Quality Assurance Inspector
    • Quality Assurance Supervisor
  • Submarine, General Shipboard:
    • Navigation
    • Officer of the Deck
    • Ship’s Duty Officer
    • Submarine Warfare (Officer)
  • National Fire Protection Association, Company Affiliation
  • Certified Diver

Overview

  • Professional Summary
  • Employment Record
  • Education
  • Registrations, Licenses & Certifications
  • Continuing Education
  • Professional Memberships / Certifications / Qualifications
Details
Written by: Mcdowell Owens Integrated Forensic Engineering
Category: Uncategorised
Published: 17 May 2018
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Shelby Meadows
P.E.
Civil/Structural

 

Shelby Meadows holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University and is a registered professional engineer in the state of Texas. He has over 30 years of civil/structural experience.

His expertise in foundations and structures encompasses stress analysis and support system design for industrial, residential and civil applications. These include commercial buildings, sanitation systems, manufacturing and petrochemical plants, pulp and paper mills, oil and gas drilling and production facilities, co-generation facilities and compressor stations and platforms.

Graduate work in the field of ocean engineering, complements his experience in a variety of project environments including Zone 4 seismic, the North Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Indian Ocean, the Arctic Circle and Alaska. Mr. Meadows lectures on structural design and foundations for various professional standards organizations.

Professional Publications

  • “Concrete Engine Foundation Analysis”, U. S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines, Excell Helium Plant, Masterson, Texas
  • “Original Foundation Design, an Overview”, Power Machinery and Compression Conference, Technical Paper, 1993

Patents

  • Granted United States Patent No. US 6,508,609 B2, January 21, 2003, Method of Forming an In-Situ Void System, to accommodate/eliminate the swell potential of expansive soils to facilitate the construction and remediation of foundations on such soils.

Education

  • Graduate Studies, Ocean Engineering
    Texas A & M University, College Station, Texas
  • Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering
    Texas A & M University, College Station, Texas

Registrations and Professional Memberships

Registrations

  • Registered Professional Engineer
    State of Texas
    License No. 45166
  • S A Meadows Engineering
    Registered Professional Engineering Firm
    Texas Registration Number F-513

Memberships

  • American Concrete Institute
  • American Institute of Steel Construction
  • Portland Cement Association
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Written by: Mcdowell Owens Integrated Forensic Engineering
Category: Uncategorised
Published: 17 May 2018
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Shane Darville

Shane Darville

P.E. C.F.E.I.

Engineering Manager/Consulting Engineer

  • Footer Phone 832-831-2910
  • Footer Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Footer Map740 East 13th Street Houston, Texas 77008
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Mechanical System Analysis, Structural Analysis of Fires and Explosions, and Fuel Gas Systems, Workplace Accident & Safety Analysis.

  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, 2011.
  • Master of Science in Engineering Management at Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, Missouri, 2015.
  • Primary areas of consultation: Mechanical systems and component failure analysis, Carbon Monoxide exposure, and utility systems. Residential and commercial construction, HVAC and plumbing, roof inspections, water intrusion/damage, and foundation failure/deflection analysis. Construction Safety and OSHA compliance related to workplace safety and injury.
  • Experiences include detailed on-site analyses, repair scope and specification development. Analyses are conducted according to current applicable standards. And providing sworn testimony when required.
  • Apr. 2019-Present

    MCDOWELL OWENS ENGINEERING, INC.

    Houston, Texas

    Engineering Manager/Consulting Engineer. Areas of primary interest include mechanical system and equipment failure analysis, commercial and residential construction, hazardous gas exposure, and mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP) related losses. Premises liability related to slip/trip and fall accidents.

  • Nov. 2016-2019

    BISON ENGINEERING, INC.

    Kingwood, Texas

    Mechanical Forensic Engineer. Areas of primary interest include mechanical systems analysis including pressure vessels, hazardous gas exposure with a focus on Carbon Monoxide (CO), and mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP) related losses.

  • 2007-2016

    U.S. ARMY

    Various postings (includes U.S. Military Academy – West Point).

  • 2004-2007

    THE DARVILLE COMPANY

    Odessa, Texas

    Apprentice Plumber and HVAC Installer. Performed residential and commercial MEP work installing and/or repairing a multitude of plumbing and HVAC systems.

  • December 2015 to 2016.

    Facilities Manager – United States Army

    Duties included managing all service, repair, maintenance, demolition, and construction on all buildings and facilities for the entire 30,000-soldier 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, TX.

  • June 2014 to December 2014.

    Executive Officer – United States Army

    Selected above peers to be the Executive Officer for the Brigade Headquarters Company of 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, KS.

  • March 2013 to June 2014.

    Executive Officer – United States Army

    Selected to be the Executive Officer for ATTACK Company, 1st Battalion of the 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, KS.

  • April 2012 to March 2013

    Platoon Leader – United States Army

    Selected to be the Platoon Leader for the 3rd Platoon, Barbaric Company, 1st Battalion of the 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, KS. Duties included managing, leading, and employing 42 soldiers and 4 Bradley Fighting Vehicles on and off the battlefield.

  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at The United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, 2011
  • Master of Engineering Management at Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, MO, 2015
  • Licensed Professional Engineer:
    • Arkansas

      No. 17533

    • Florida

      No. 92517

    • Georgia

      No. PE047692

    • Kansas

      No. PE28589

    • Kentucky

      No. PE37884

    • Louisiana

      No. PE0045011

    • Missouri

      No. 2016001242

    • Texas

      No. 122773

    • Alabama

      No. 52072

  • Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (C.F.E.I.)
  • USA DOT FAA - Remote Pilot License – DRONE – License No. 4555908
  • Military Construction Management
  • Construction Project Management
  • OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Training Program and Certification
  • OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Training Program and Certification, March 2024
  • Safety Engineering Course, Safety & Health Requirements Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3
  • Smart Workplaces: Designing Safe Workspaces & Preventing Injury
  • Anatomy of Construction Defects
  • 2015 International Fire Code®: Significant Changes
  • Combustion Analysis
  • Ethical Decision Making for Engineers #3
  • Ethical Decision Making for Engineers #2
  • Energy from Waste
  • Officer Education and Leadership Training, United States Army, January 2015 to December 2015
  • Officer Education and Leadership Training, United States Army, May 2011 to April 2012
  • National Association of Fire Investigators – Certification Class and Testing
  • Essentials of Intelligent Transportation Systems
  • Ethics for the Practicing Engineer: An Introduction
  • Ethics for Professionals
  • Energy Efficient Water Heating
  • Swimming Pools: Mechanical and Hydraulic System Design
  • Liquified Natural Gas (LNG): Natural Gas and LNG in the 21st Century
  • Hydroelectric Power Generation
  • Electric Motors and Generators: Basic Magnetics
  • Electric Motors
  • Ethics the Practicing Engineer: Managing Risks Imposed on the Public
  • National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI)
  • National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) (Company Affiliation)

Overview

  • Professional Summary
  • Employment Record
  • United States Army 2007-2017
  • Education
  • Registrations, Licenses & Certifications
  • Continuing Education
  • Professional Memberships / Certifications / Qualifications

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Custom Forensic SolutionsCustom Forensic Solutions

Custom Forensic Solutions

Our mission is to investigate, solve, and explain the most challenging engineering and scientific problems.

McDowell Owens has extensive resources that allow us to provide a custom forensic solution for every assignment. We evaluate the available evidence and apply scientific methods, specialized knowledge, and the latest analytical technologies to reach scientifically sound solutions for our clients.

When performing forensic analysis, our team thoroughly investigates the issues, from taking data at the scene to analyzing drawings, material specifications, supporting documentation, and conducting tests.

We produce reports that are clear, concise, accurate, and comprehensive.

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Our Areas of Expertise

We provide technical answers and engineering solutions for insurance companies, law firms, and businesses – anyone looking for an unbiased, scientifically sound answer to questions involving:

Custom Forensic Solutions

Gas System Failure Analysis

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Fire Investigation

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Custom Forensic Solutions

Accident Reconstruction

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Custom Forensic Solutions

Electrical Failure Analysis

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Custom Forensic Solutions

Mechanical Failure Analysis

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Custom Forensic Solutions

Civil & Structural Failure Analysis

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Custom Forensic Solutions

Root Cause Failure Analysis

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Custom Forensic Solutions

Marine Failure Analysis

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Custom Forensic Solutions

Advanced Electrical Systems

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Custom Forensic Solutions

Workplace Injury Investigations

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For our clients, we have the experience and expertise to determine the cause and scope.

Expert Witness Services

McDowell Owens team of highly credentialed experts has a proven track record of success in helping audiences understand the value and strength of our findings.

We present the facts based on solid science. The science is vital, of course, but it doesn’t mean much without the ability to make it understood and put in its proper context to tell the true story of what happened.

Communication is the key to favorable case outcomes in both pre-trial settlements and verdicts. The experts at McDowell Owens have a firm grasp of Frye and Daubert standards and possess the ability to take complex concepts and turn them into easily understood principles for all to understand. We ensure that the judges and juries fully understand the technical and scientific information from your case, leaving them with a clear picture and convincing evidence.

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When you work with McDowell Owens experts in court, you will:

  • Partner with professionals that offer academic credentials and real-world courtroom experience to lend expertise and credibility to your case.
  • Have a team that will always meet stringent court and internal deadlines. Our highly-focused approach delivers timely work.
  • You are assured of working with a team of licensed forensic engineers with extensive credentials.

McDowell Owens Laboratory – Services and Capabilities

Our “clean” laboratory services are utilized by our staff on a regular basis to provide our clients with the most accurate and complete analysis possible. Our laboratory capabilities are available to anyone who needs lab space and/or the proper documentation, including the following:

  • Fire Debris X-Ray and Photography
  • Electrical Testing, Recording, and Photography
  • Mechanical Failure Analysis (X-ray and Digital Microscopy)
  • Appliance Fire, Water Loss and Other Failure Analysis/Testing/Documentation
  • Dryers and Other Appliances
  • Water Losses in Washing Machines, Dishwashers, Sink, Toilet Valves, Etc. (Testing Capabilities and X-ray where needed)
  • Various Product Testing
  • Specialized Laboratory Testing (Designed as needed and with your protocol)

Our laboratory has full video recording capability with real-time observation and remote participation for those who cannot be present. All inspections, examinations, and testing can be recorded, as can all digital microscopes.

“Dirty” laboratory services are available to anyone who needs teardown space for engines, transmissions, etc. They can then be examined, documented, photographed, and X-rayed in the “clean” lab as needed.

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Our Clients

McDowell Owens does not publish the names of clients unless required to do so. They include some of the largest and most sophisticated Forensic Engineering service users in the Western Hemisphere. We believe, however, that we are hired to solve a problem, not to use their names to attract business.

24/7 To Meet Your Needs

Our experts are here 24/7 to help with the analysis of fires, explosions, and vehicular accidents, as well as structural, mechanical, and electrical failures using the latest technology and testing methodologies.

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McDowell Owens team of professional engineers, fire scientists, and consultants specialize in failure analysis.

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  • Footer Phone 832-831-2910
  • Footer Email [email protected]
  • Footer Map 740 East 13th Street Houston, Texas 77008

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