Bison Engineering Consultants - Houston Forensic Engineering Consultants

DAVID W. HELDENBRAND, P.E.
Consulting Engineer, Civil and Environmental, Houston, Texas

With a B.S. in Civil Engineering and a B.A. in Environmental Biology from the University of Colorado, Mr. Heldenbrand has more than 25 years experience in the engineering and construction field. He has extensive experience in the engineering and operation of gas facilities and a strong background in failure analysis.

A Professional Engineer registered in the State of Texas with 25 plus years’ diverse experience in engineering and construction, David Heldenbrand brings strength and foresight to every client relationship.

JEFFREY W. HAUTANEN, P.E.
Consulting Engineer
Electrical, Biomechanical, Accident Reconstruction, Houston, Texas

A Licensed Professional Engineer (by examination) in Electrical Engineering, Mr. Hautanen is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Bio-Medical Engineering. Jeff’s primary area of consultation involves the investigation of electrical and electronic failures, electrical contacts, and fire scene investigations. Additionally, his academic background and experience in biomechanics has provided an expertise in the area of impact biomechanics and accident reconstruction.

Jeff has also provided lead engineering support in the investigation of many major industrial catastrophic events which include: petrochemical plant explosions and fires, gas compressor station fires, pipeline ruptures, coal drying process facility fires, and warehouse fires. He has provided investigative services with expertise in process/ instrumentation, power distribution, and electrical machinery.

Mr. Hautanen has over 12 years of professional experience as a consulting engineer and has provided expert testimony (deposition and trial) on numerous occasions.

RANDALL K. KING, PhD.
Mechanical Design, Operation, and Failures
Accident Investigation and Reconstruction, Houston, Texas

An experienced professional with over 25 years in the oilfield, automotive, and fluid power industries, Dr. Randall King draws on a comprehensive background of diverse engineering experience to provide sound answers for both legal and insurance clients. He is a veteran of both the demanding rigors of academic research and the practical realities of the commercial world. After earning a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Oklahoma State University, Dr. King has led an accomplished engineering career in the oilfield and automotive industries, designing and developing innovative mechanical components and high-pressure equipment, and conducting failure analyses over a broad variety of situations. He holds eleven patents with an additional seven patents pending.

DREW A. SMITH, E.I.T.
Consulting Engineer

A recent graduate of Texas Tech University, Drew graduated at the top of his class with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Mathematics and Statistics.  Drew gained valuable experience in forensic engineering while learning failure analysis techniques through his independent research experiences, which involved cases dealing with automotive, structural, and industrial.  Certified Engineer in Training (EIT) through the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, Drew is an exceptional candidate to become a licensed professional engineer in the future.

JEFFREY S. WINSHIP
Computer Graphics Consultant, Houston, Texas

For over 12 years, Jeff has developed computer graphics and animation for presentations, courtroom exhibits and demonstrative evidence. As a specialist in scientific and engineering related graphics, he draws upon his experience in mechanical design assistance as well as his fieldwork in refinery/plant incidents, auto accidents and other mechanical failures to create accurate and effective forensic graphics. He provides outstanding technical assistance in the acquisition, translation and graphical representation of field and test data.

Associates

JOHN S. ROBERTS, Ph.D.
Materials & Chemicals Consulting, LLC

Dr. Roberts’ 30 years of practice in the chemical industry and his experience in the courtroom provide a commanding expert for Bison clients.  He provides expertise in gas odorization and phenomena related to gas odorants and other chemical reactions.

With a PhD from the University of North Dakota, Dr. Roberts has over 25 US Patents in areas of refining and chemical processing and publications in diverse areas of chemical processing.

WILLIAM J. ARNOULT III Ph.D., P.E.
Consulting Engineer, Metallurgist

Dr. Arnoult’s remarkable credentials include a Ph.D. in Materials Science from Rice University, Registered Professional Engineer, and Fellow of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers.

With supreme qualifications, Dr. Arnoult provides Bison clients credible expert testimony in the field of materials failure analysis of metals, ceramics, glasses, plastics, and elastomers, to name a few.

THEODORE C. (TED) MCGIL
Construction Management Consultant

Mr. McGill has over thirty-five years of construction management experience in the engineering and construction industry. He has worked in the design and construction of all disciplines and maintained a working knowledge of all facets of the industry, from conceptual design through start-up and operations. His areas of expertise include the areas that normally are the origin of problems and failures – schedule, quality control, cost control, and contract management.

Bison . . . licensed, degreed, certified, and professional.