Expertise

• Licensed Professional Engineer in mechanical engineering with university medical school training in histology, physiology, microbiology and pathology.
• Experienced in various phases of failure analysis, testing and biological screening of metals, plastics, ceramics and composite materials, particularly as related to medical devices.
• Works closely with the medical device and dental industries to design, manufacture, test and to improve medical devices.
• Conducts independent research on materials for medical uses and recognized by the Orthopedic Research Society, Society for Biomaterials, and the Surfaces in Biomaterials groups.
• Authored design guide addressing medical device wear and friction issues and medical device solutions to wear and friction.
• Developed novel methods for creating and screening active, eluting and antimicrobial biomaterials for soft-tissue and bone implants.
• Designs bone scaffolding techniques, orthopedic devices, bone anchored prosthetic attachments and surgical animal models.
• Skilled in the use of advanced and innovative analytical techniques and the interpretation of results.

Experience

Independent Consultant, 1993 - Present

• Metallurgical, materials science, failure analysis and mechanical and biomedical engineering services for legal, insurance, medical, government and manufacturing clients.
• Performed failure analysis, materials evaluations, process and site evaluations, biomaterial and medical implant design and testing and fabrication studies.
• Provided professional reports, oral presentations, expert opinions and retained consulting services.

Thielsch Engineering Inc., Materials Science Engineer, Cranston, RI, 1991 - 1993

• Headed analytical laboratory and provided engineering and failure analyses for local clients.
• Skilled with analytical instruments: Scanning electron microscopes with energy dispersive spectroscopy, x-ray fluorescence, x-ray diffractometer, optical emission spectrometer and carbon sulfur determinators for providing certified chemistries.
• Provided analysis of fastener systems, pressurized vessels and piping, electrical components, roller and thrust bearings, failed nuclear components, manufacturing processes (welding, stamping, heat treatment), materials and process selection.
• Specialized in fractography, surface chemical analysis techniques and corrosion analysis.
• Received failure analysis training in-house and at national seminars by Helmult Thielsch.

Brown University, Department of Advanced Materials Research, Research and Teaching Assistant, Providence, RI, 1989 - 1991

• Headed initial investigation of a lightweight aerospace material for Martin Marietta Laboratories to enhance room temperature fracture toughness to encourage commercial use.
• Investigated effect of high rate pressure-shear on copper foils, funded by the Office of Naval Research.
• Employed advanced analytical techniques such as transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction and x-ray surface chemical analysis.

Avery Technical Services (ATS), Inc., Engineering Investigator, Barrington, RI, 1987 - 1989

• Investigated, analyzed, and documented industrial, home and automotive incidents involving mechanical and material failures for legal and insurance purposes.
• Specialized in personal and industrial accident reconstructions.

Rumford & Rumford Contractors, Mechanic, Media, PA, 1984 - 1986

• Experienced in general construction machinery, equipment, materials and methods.

Honors & Publications

Certifications

• Hazardous Waste, Laboratory Safety, Blood Borne Pathogens (Brown University)
• Electrosurgery CE Module (Valleylab, Institute of Clinical Education)
• Human Participant Protections Education for Research Teams (National Institutes of Health)
• CITI Course in The Protection of Human Research Subjects

Society Affiliations

• Sigma Xi Honor Society
• Society for Biomaterials, Surfaces in Biomaterials Foundation
• Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS)
• National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
• American Society for Materials (ASM)
• International Metallography Society (IMS),
• Heat Treating Society (HTS)
• Society of Carbide and Tool Engineering (SCTE)

Patents and Patent Applications

• Author of one book.
• One US patent
• Many publications

Education

• Ph.D., Biology, Medical Science and Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI
• P.E., Mechanical Engineering, Brown University
• M.S., Materials Science and Engineering, Brown University
• B.S., Materials Science and Engineering, Brown University,