From Scene to Solution: How Forensic Engineers Solve Complex Failures
Forensic engineering applies engineering principles to real-world failures, accidents, and disputes to determine what happened, why it happened, and how it might have been prevented. This presentation will provide an overview of forensic engineering, including the types of cases forensic engineers investigate and the process of collecting evidence, developing and testing hypotheses, and applying the scientific method to reach defensible conclusions. It will also discuss the role of the forensic engineer as an expert witness, including deposition and courtroom testimony. Personal experiences from the presenter's career will illustrate the challenges, rewards, and unexpected opportunities of forensic engineering.
Bio:
Todd Reeder is a mechanical engineer and Vice President at Palmer Engineering & Forensics. He has more than 13 years of engineering experience, including 8 years in aerospace before transitioning to forensic engineering in 2020. Since that time, he has served as lead engineer on more than 500 forensic investigations involving vehicle accidents, fires, explosions, product defects, and more.
Held in CB 256