Our Team
Our engineers have impressive credentials, professional experience, and academic degrees, which equip them to resolve mechanical, electrical, structural, civil, chemical, and materials challenges. Plick and Associates, Forensic Engineers has handled a broad range of assignments from routine to complex. Not only do we provide full services, we deliver them with enthusiasm,attention to detail, and a high standard of integrity. Some of our areas of expertise include: accident reconstruction, fires and explosions, failure analysis, product liability, weather damage, gas and electric appliances, building codes and systems, and construction equipment.
Michael X. Plick, P.E., D.F.E., C.F.E.I., C.V.F.I., Mechanical Engineer
Mike Plick is an internationally recognized forensic engineer with decades of engineering experience. Mike has conducted thousands of investigations into the cause of fires, explosions, failures, accidents, and product defects involving automobiles, HVAC systems, pumps, plumbing and piping systems, sprinkler systems, escalators, elevators, forklift/skid-steer (Bobcat) accidents, material handling, machine guard design and building code issues. Mike’s earlier extensive experience as a supervising and consulting engineer is drawn from a variety of capacities ranging from design and construction to management and implementation. These projects concern petroleum refining, power, and gas utilities, chemical, commercial, government and military clients.
Following his honorable discharge from the United States’ Air Force, Mike received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Drexel University in Philadelphia. He later taught at Drexel as an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Mechanical Engineering & Mechanics Department. Mike has also conducted lectures and seminars for international, national, state, and local audiences on a variety of forensics topics. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, as well as a nationally Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, nationally Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator, and a nationally Certified Fire Investigation Instructor.
Among his many professional accomplishments, Mike is a Fellow of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers and a Diplomate in Forensic Engineering awarded by the Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards. Mike has testified in Federal, State, and municipal courts as an internationally recognized expert in engineering investigations of property damage and personal injuries related to analysis of failures, accidents, fires, and explosions.
Susan B. Rubin, Mechanical Engineer
Sue Rubin began her career as a plant engineer responsible for the engineering analysis of rotating equipment malfunctions and failures as well as corrosion analysis of numerous types of industrial storage tanks. She brings extensive field knowledge gained in the investigation of incidents involving, but not limited to, pumps, compressors, boilers and process vessels, fans, aboveground storage tanks, dike linings, piping, and heat exchangers. In her position with Plick and Associates, Forensic Engineers, Sue provides engineering analysis of equipment malfunctions, failures, and accidents. Sue acquired valuable experience as a consulting engineer and liaison between owners and contractors during design, construction, testing and maintenance phases of various projects in the chemical and refinery industries. Sue holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Drexel University, where she has taught as an Adjunct Instructor in the Mechanical Engineering & Mechanics Department.
William B. Alber, Mechanical Engineer
Bill Alber is a graduate of Drexel University with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Bill is a third generation HVAC contractor and holds a Master HVAC Contractor license from the State of New Jersey. He is also certified by the Building Performance Institute as a Building Analyst, Envelope Professional and Heating specialist. Bill has over 30 years’ experience in HVAC system design, diagnosis, system retrofitting, air distribution problems, and specialized heating and geothermal operations. Bill has conducted hundreds of investigations and analyses of various equipment malfunctions, failures, fires, and accidents related to design, installation construction, service, and maintenance deficiencies. Bill owns and operates a third-generation service firm that conducts design, installation, service, and maintenance of HVAC, insulation, chimney, and plumbing systems, as well as providing diagnosis of HVAC system problems.
Bill’s many certifications include North American Technician Excellence (NATE) Air Conditioning Installation and Service, NATE Heat Pump Installation and Service. He is a member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers, the Dr. Energy Saver network of Certified Energy Consultants and the Air Conditioning Contractors of America. Bill provides expert testimony when required. In addition, Bill has conducted seminars for national, state, and local audiences.
W. Ross McLennan, P.E, Mechanical Engineer
Ross McLennan is a graduate of Lehigh University with a degree in mechanical engineering and decades of related engineering experience. With a focus on creating a culture of safety, Ross has assisted with UL/FM testing of piping fittings, coupling and fire protection sprinklers and has provided failure mode testing and earthquake test simulations. Ross has extensive expertise in design and development, testing, improvement, and commercialization of a variety of products and applications, including power generation, fluid flow components, wash-down equipment, lighting, electronic components, and fastener and sensing products. His hands-on design background includes the awarding of over 25 patents. In addition, he has handled failure analysis and forensics for in-field failures, existing products and product improvements, and laboratory and metallurgical testing. Ross has conducted hundreds of investigations and analyses of various component and equipment malfunctions, failures, fires, accidents, and codes and standards. He is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), serving formerly as a committee member of the ASME/BPE (Bioprocessing Engineers). Ross holds a membership with the Professional Engineers of Pennsylvania (PSPE) and is a past President of the Lehigh Valley Engineering Council (LVEC). Ross is a licensed Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Paul R. Wentz, C.F.E.I., Mechanical Engineer
Paul Wentz holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Drexel University and maintains an extensive knowledge in the field of fire investigation. Paul provides recognized expertise in mechanical engineering at Plick and Associates, Forensic Engineers. His recent projects providing consulting engineering services to clients include engineering investigation and analysis of failures, malfunctions, and fires. The comprehensive scope of the investigations conducted by Paul have covered diversified equipment, fire protection systems, municipal firefighting systems, water leaks, piping freeze-ups, product defects, appliance fires, explosions, vehicle fires, material handling, industrial machinery accidents, custom designed equipment, and heavy power equipment.
In addition to his experience at Plick and Associates, Forensic Engineers, Paul comes with over 30 years of hands-on experience ranging from technical expertise involving ships and aircraft logistics support, control valve engineering, fire and rescue equipment manufacturing support, and technical writing of product documentation. Paul is a retired United States Navy Senior Chief Hull Maintenance Technician and is also a patent holder.
David W. Jordahl, P.E., Mechanical Engineer
David Jordahl is a mechanical engineer with more than 30 years of engineering experience. He has extensive expertise in HVAC system design, diagnosis, system installation and retrofitting, air distribution and indoor air quality problems, piping and pumping systems, tanks and fire protection systems, losses associated with a variety of appliances, and specialized heating and cooling operations for residential and commercial clients. Further, he has designed, constructed, and managed mechanical projects, both big and small, with a focus on creating a culture of safety. David has conducted hundreds of investigations and analyses of various equipment malfunctions, failures, fires, accidents, and building codes and standards. In addition, he provides mediation assistance and expert testimony when required. He is a member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). David is a licensed Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Charles “Charlie” P. Erskine, P.E., Mechanical Engineer
With a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Lehigh University and more than 30 years of related engineering experience, Charlie performs forensic engineering investigations and analyses of failures, malfunctions, building codes & standards including, but not limited to equipment, water leaks, piping freeze-ups, product defects, appliance fires, explosions, material handling, industrial machinery accidents, and custom designed equipment. As the owner/operator of a material testing laboratory for over two decades, Charlie has the proven ability to develop sound engineering solutions for equipment designs, repairs, and advanced thermal-structural analyses for world-wide customers in the petroleum refining, chemical process, power generation, and petroleum transport industries. Charlie has investigative consultation experience in the following: above and below ground storage tanks; pipes and piping systems manufactured from steel, fiberglass, and plastic; heat exchangers; waste treatment and petrochemical facilities; heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems; fire protection systems; pumps and pumping systems, plumbing, compressors. Charlie is a licensed Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Martin Grant, C.F.E.I., H.C.I., E.D.I., Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator, HAAG Certified Roof Inspector and Exterior Design Institute Certified Inspector
Martin conducts investigations into cases of fire and explosion involving residential dwellings, commercial buildings, vehicles, and mechanical and electrical equipment. Martin’s investigative experience has included support to engineers and fire department personnel, as well as technical review and application of NFPA standards. He is the key administrator of Plick’s technical protocols for evidence identification, collection, processing, and examination.
Martin Grant joined Plick and Associates, Forensic Engineers in 2010 as an evidence recovery support technician. Since 2010, Martin has achieved, through training and testing the following designations: Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator, HAAG Certified Roof Inspector, Exterior Design Institute Certified Inspector for EIFS/Stucco. He is proficient in the details of roof and siding installation/construction and has conducted many inspections related to damage from weather, water, mechanical forces, and deterioration with age. Also, Martin has worked extensively with stucco from installation to remediation and repair for residential and commercial clients.
He is a member of National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI), International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Mark S. Suchecki, P.E., Civil, Structural, and Geotechnical Engineer
Mark Suchecki is a recognized expert in the engineering investigation and analysis of accidents, failures, fires, explosions, defects, and other losses related to the fields of civil, structural, and geotechnical engineering. His consulting services include design, building code review, property damage and personal injury investigations, reporting, and presentations to insurance companies and claims associations. He holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Cincinnati and completed graduate-level coursework in construction materials and geotechnical engineering at the University of Louisville.
Mark has investigated thousands of failures of concrete, steel, wood, and masonry structures due to both natural and man-made causes. He has analyzed concrete structures in states of deterioration due to chemical attack, corrosion of reinforcing steel, poor construction methods, and age, while also providing recommendations on materials and techniques for repairs. Mark has investigated damages due to water loss from floods, surface runoff, roof failures and sewer malfunctions while employing his experience amassed in soil structure and testing, soil-water interactions, and subsurface investigations. He also has investigated slips, trips, falls and other personal injuries related to building defects. In addition, Mark has led the inspection of several hundred bridges, wharves, piers, and other underwater structures utilizing his commercial diving experience.
Mark is a licensed engineer in 14 states, including Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey, as well as holding professional affiliations with ASCE, ICC, AISC, and IES. Mark has provided expert witness testimony in Federal, State, and municipal courts, as well as in arbitration proceedings.
Randy R. Patarcity, P.E., Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineer
Randy Patarcity has conducted hundreds of engineering investigations and analyses of the failures of structures, buildings, chimneys, manufactured fireplace/flue pipe installations, construction deficiencies, storage tanks and silos due to weather, fire, explosions, accidents, structural deterioration, vehicle impact, insect infestation, water infiltration, and improper demolition and excavation. He has also performed investigations related to incidents of environmental and mold contamination, as well as stormwater and sewer system failures. Randy has provided valuable assistance to clients by developing repair scopes for the shoring and reconstruction of damaged structures.
Randy brings a broad knowledge base earned through a diverse background in engineering. He has worked on heavy civil construction projects, while also gaining extensive experience in environmental investigation and remediation. Randy has performed projects in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland, as well as overseas in the former Yugoslavia. Randy received a B.S. in Agricultural Engineering, as well as completed graduate-level Environmental Engineering coursework, from Pennsylvania State University. He holds a membership with the ASCE and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania. Randy provides expert testimony when required.
Mark J. Kucirka, P.E., M.S.C.E., Civil & Structural Engineer
Mark’s extensive education and more than two decades of versatile experience enhance his capabilities as a forensic engineer. Mark holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering and a B.A. in Architecture from Lehigh University, in conjunction with a M.S. in Structural Engineering from MIT. His forensic investigations include, but are not limited to, failures of structures and/or damages due to weather, construction deficiencies, fire, and water infiltration. He has performed projects and investigations in the commercial, institutional, industrial, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, and residential industries. His consulting services include analysis and material evaluation, design and building code review, investigations related to civil/structural engineering, deposition and mediation assistance, and expert testimony. Mark's expertise extends to computer analysis of steel, concrete, masonry, and wood using various software programs, including the Finite Element Method (FEM) and second-order analysis of structural components and systems.
Mark is Principal of a firm providing structural engineering services for a variety of projects within the Greater Philadelphia region. In addition to his professional affiliations with the ASCE and PSPE, he has held the position of President with the Delaware Association of Structural Engineers (DVASE). Mark is a licensed Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Maryland, and has served as an Instructor at the Richard C. Goodwin College of Professional Studies at Drexel University.
Ron E. Sheibley, P.E., Civil & Structural Engineer
A graduate of Bucknell University, Ron Sheibley’s decades of heavy construction and many years of civil/mechanical design experience have built upon and transcended his core engineering discipline. He has conducted hundreds of engineering investigations and analyses of failures, accidents, and fires related to civil, structural, and geotechnical engineering. Drawing on his extensive prior involvement in construction projects, Ron is an expert in heavy civil/structural construction and rigging, responsible for more than 500,000 cubic yards of reinforced concrete, 35,000 tons of structural steel, and rigging loads in excess of 600 tons. Ron is an experienced miner and is MSHA-qualified for open pit mine and quarry investigations. He is accomplished in failure mode effect analysis, root cause determinations, environmental and seismic qualification of mechanical equipment, and materials testing/analysis, as well as being proficient in ASME, ASTM, AWS, AISC, ANSI and OSHA codes. He has been responsible for construction and design adequacy at industrial, commercial, and utility facilities, including nuclear and conventional power plant components and systems.
Ron’s background enables him to handle matters involving failures of structures, buildings, chimneys, and silos due to weather, construction deficiencies, fire, vehicle impact, insect infestation, water infiltration, and slips/trips and falls. He holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania. Ron provides assistance related to deposition, mediation, and expert testimony as needed.
Boyd H Peart, P.E., Civil & Mechanical Engineer
In addition to holding a B.S. in Civil Engineering and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Boyd Peart is a registered Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Boyd has over 30 years of experience taking on multiple roles as project engineer, field supervisor and engineering manager in a range of manufacturing, processing, design, and consulting settings. He has hands-on experience providing field surveys, stress and damage analyses, feasibility studies, and design and loading evaluations.
As one of Plick and Associates, Forensic Engineers’ consulting engineers, Boyd utilizes his extensive experience to conduct investigations and forensic analysis of the safety, failure, and code compliance of mechanical equipment, building structures and foundations, roofs and platforms, mechanical and piping systems, as well as damage due to weather, construction deficiencies, and water infiltration. Boyd provides deposition and expert testimony as required.
R. Andrew Fletcher, III, R.A., N.C.A.R.B., Architect
Andrew has a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a career spanning over three decades in the design and construction industry. He is a registered architect and certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. Andrew has a broad array of experience in all phases of residential, institutional, commercial, light industrial and educational building design projects. Many projects have involved renovations, alterations and/or additions to existing space(s) to suit the client's needs. Andrew has served as an expert on a variety of cases for both defense and plaintiff, including premises liability, construction accidents & disputes. He has performed forensic investigations and analysis on matters such as code analysis, slip-resistance, traction accident investigations, assessing "human factors" influences and effect of poor lighting in personal injury situations, toxic mold claims, collapse peril and structural adequacy evaluations, termite damage/remediation, stair/walk/ramp safety, water intrusion, elevator/escalator and platform lift safety, power door accidents, fire/security systems, egress safety and building maintenance issues in premises liability matters as well as snow and ice accidents.
Michael H. Feinsod, C.F.P.S., C.E.S.C.P., Electrical Engineer
Michael Feinsod provides over three decades of engineering experience. Michael performs forensic engineering investigations and analyses of failures, accidents, fires, and explosions involving electrical, electronic, mechanical, life safety, security, CCTV, paging and access control systems and/or equipment. Michael owns and operates an electrical construction company, which provides construction, installation, and maintenance services to residential, commercial, and industrial facilities. He has investigated and performed trouble shooting procedures to determine the cause of and provide solutions for electrical failures, malfunctions and/or improper design of electrical equipment, power, lighting, and communication systems. Michael also has provided expert witness testimony.
Michael holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Drexel University. He has delivered instructional presentations on electrical and fire safety systems, as well as held prominent positions within the Independent Electrical Contractors Association of Philadelphia and Vicinity (IECA). His list of professional affiliations, certifications and licenses is long and notable. He is a Licensed Master Electrician and Contractor in New Jersey and Maryland, and in the City of Philadelphia as well as several neighboring townships. Michael is also a Licensed Fire Inspector in Pennsylvania and holds licenses as a Residential and Commercial Electrical Inspector & Plans Examiner in Pennsylvania and in the City of Philadelphia. He is also board-certified Fire Protection Specialist and an Electrical Safety Compliance Professional.
Mike O. Muchesi, P.E., Electrical Engineer
Mike has a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering and a Master’s degree in Systems Engineering from Southern Polytechnic State University and extensive electrical and systems engineering experience. Mike has a broad background pertaining to the operation and failure of electrical and mechanical industrial equipment; power systems including motors and motor control centers, transformers, and switchgear; programming and control panels; machinery safety systems; and electrical distribution equipment. He has expertise in the application of industrial codes, standards and practices related to accidents that involve personal injuries, equipment failures and process or design deficiencies associated with electrical and mechanical systems. Mike has experience in determining root causes that involve product defects, operational and/or process failure, and human factor engineering deficiencies in the cause of a fire or electrical accident. Mike is a licensed Professional Engineer in North Carolina and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as well as being a Certified Machinery Safety Expert.
Charles di Girolamo, P.E., PMP, Electrical Engineer
Charles di Girolamo holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering in addition to licensure as a registered Professional Engineer and accreditation as a Project Management Professional. Charles has gained experience over 30 years in a variety of roles, including project manager, senior engineer, supervisor, superintendent, and compliance officer. During his career, he has gained comprehensive technical experience in the design, direction, coordination, installation, reporting, and customer interface associated with operations and projects both large and small. Serving in his role as consulting electrical engineer at Plick and Associates, Forensic Engineers, Charles performs forensic engineering investigations and analyses of failures and accidents involving electrical, electronic, and mechanical equipment such as motors, transformers, and electrical distribution equipment.
Charles is experienced in determining root causes that involve a product defect, operational or process failure and human factor engineering deficiencies in the cause of a fire or accident. His expertise in industrial accidents that involve personal injuries, equipment failures, or process and design deficiencies associated with electrical and mechanical systems is translated into valuable services performed for plaintiff, defendant, or other parties. In addition to his experience and accreditation, Charles has been trained in root cause investigation, human factors engineering, NFPA arc flash, nuclear power systems engineering, and electrical safe work practices and hazard recognition.