Garrett Engineers, Inc. - Expert of the Month

Expert of the Month

November '05 Expert of the Month

Our expert of the month is Dr. Kerry Knapp. Dr. Knapp’s experience includes 25 years working in the physical sciences and computer modeling. The application of mathematics, physics and engineering science provides the technical foundation for his current work in injury biomechanics. Research activities include field investigation, laboratory experiments and computer simulation development. He has taught hydrology and analytical techniques in the formal setting (University of Arizona, 1972) and in seminar format both for the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture and Northern Arizona University, as well as extensive lecturing and formal presentations to both technical staff and the general public.

Since 1994 his attention has been focused on injury biomechanics. His research includes comparative studies in human anatomy (complete human dissections as well as multiple human prosections), investigation of foot and ankle mechanics, and modeling the low impact rear collision. His teaching responsibilities have included laboratory for Anatomical Kinesiology as well as lectures in Human Neuroscience and Human Biomechanics.

His current research is focused on improving analysis techniques applicable to trauma-induced fatalities in humans; structural and functional relationships of the human head and brain; and head/brain response to linear and angular acceleration loading: and the response of human tissues to external loading. From 1994 to the present he has handled approximately 750 cases including all types of motor vehicle accidents, pedestrian/motor vehicle accidents, slip/trip/fall injuries, falls from heights, industrial accidents, sports injuries, wrongful deaths, shootings, beatings and criminal forensics. His work in criminal forensics includes analysis and testimony as an expert witness for the United States Department of Justice, the State of Arizona, and local entities

October '05 Expert of the Month

Our expert of the Month is Bill Hagerty. Mr. Hagerty is a licensed private investigator specializing in vehicle fire cause and origin, tire failure analysis, air bag failures, vehicle component failures (brakes, suspensions, fuel systems) and alleged auto thefts. He has taught courses on vehicle fire analysis and has testified extensively on the Firestone tires recall. He holds an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and was a commander in the US Navy. He is active and successful in SCCA racing

September '05 Expert of the Month - Dr. Shahram Sheybany

Our expert of the month is Dr. Shahram Sheybany. Dr. Sheybany holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science from the University of California, Los Angeles. He is a member of the American Society for Metals, the Metallurgical Society of the A.I.M.E. and the Electrochemical Society. His expertise includes failure analysis of metallic and non-metallic materials and components, high/low temperature oxidation and corrosion, and abrasion failure issues. His testing techniques include fractography, fracture analysis, metallography, transmission electron microprobe analysis, surface analysis, and X-ray diffraction.

August '05 Expert of the Month-Bill Sommers

The August 2005 expert of the month is Bill Sommers. Mr. Sommers is a Fully Accredited Traffic Accident Reconstructionist (ACTAR #268), a Certified Drug Recognition Expert by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and a Certified Trainer of Drug Recognition Experts by the International Association of Chiefs of Police. He is a member of several professional organizations and has more than thirty-five years experience in law enforcement. He holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Police Science from Chaffey College in Alta Loma, California. He has completed over forty special training courses in related police procedures, and has received several awards for excellence in his field. His expertise for GEI includes speed analysis, g-forces, occupant kinematics and injury mechanisms, human perception and reaction, vehicle momentum in collision systems, vehicle collision time and distance analysis, tire and wheel failure mechanisms, highway vehicle tire hydroplaning, seat belt analysis, and automotive lamp analysis.

July '05 Expert of the Month-Avery Reed

The July 2005 expert of the month is Mr. Avery Reed. Mr. Reed has more than 35 years experience in the environmental and general engineering construction fields and has owned his own environmental consulting services company since 1992. His firm specializes in forensic expert consulting for: indoor air quality; water damage; toxic chemical spills; construction defects and heavy engineering construction (predominately pipeline related); and, he boasts to having completed over 500 contracts.