Curriculum Vitae
Dr. Marc A. Firestone
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Education
The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor- 1967
- B.S. Physics
The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor - 1969
- M.S. Physics
The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor - 1974
- Ph.D. Physics
von Haenel and Associates, Inc, Glendale, California - 1995
- Over 1,000 hours of seminars, workshops, research, and supervised field training in technical application of scientific principals to loss/claim investigation; and expert testimony in advocate forums.
Professional Licenses, Certifications and Affiliations
- American Physical Society
- Sigma Xi (Honorary Scientific Society)
- New York Academy of Sciences
Experience
von Haenel and Associates, Inc., Oxnard, California (1995 - Present)
Specialist: Dr. Firestone couples his extensive professional research experience with his training and experience as a forensic engineer to handle complex cases involving the application of physical science and engineering principles. His cases have ranged from standard slip/trip and fall, vehicular accidents, product defect, and fire analysis to the effects of electromagnetic radiation on people. He has had trial experience in both civil and criminal cases and has testified for civil defendants, plaintiffs, criminal defendants, and the prosecution. Dr. Firestone has worked for a variety of private law offices, insurance companies, and government agencies. The latter include: The City of Los Angeles, the City of Burbank, Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office, Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, State of California Attorney General's Office, and the State of California Department of Transportation.
Chief Engineer: Dr. Firestone was previously the Chief Engineer for the Glendale office. In addition to his normal duties as a Senior Engineer, Dr. Firestone also had Oversight and Management responsibility for Engineering activities of the Glendale office.
JAYCOR, Santa Barbara, California (1993 - 1995).
Principal Research Physicist: Electromagnetic protection, radar discrimination in a nuclear disturbed environment, plasma control for fusion and plasma processing.
Mission Research Corporation, Santa Barbara, California (1986 - 1993).
Senior Research Scientist: Developed analytical models for the hydromagnetic behavior of intermediate altitude nuclear bursts; atmospheric distribution of nuclear debris; erects of bursts upon communication, radar, and optical sensing systems. Also developed numerical nuclear weapons models for system level computer codes. Conceived, obtained funding for and directed a team which produced the only comprehensive control strategy for fusion grade plasmas in a tokamak reactor.
University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California (1982 - 1986).
Senior Development Engineer: Developed time dependent electromagnetic and power balance computer code for power producing tokamak reactor. Conceptual development of ECH tokamak. Analytic physics constraints for the initial start up of a fusion tandem mirror reactor. Additionally served as a Ph.D. thesis advisor and undergraduate instructor.
Princeton University Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton, N.J. (1977 - 1982).
Professional Technical Staff: Applied modern optimal control theory to plasma position and current control in tokamaks. Developed a realistic, engineering level computer simulation code of the plasma-external circuits interaction for analyzing feedback control in TFTR. Code was also used to study proposed TFTR discharge scenarios and make recommendations for equipment upgrades and operating procedures. Studied tokamak heating via multi-MeV ion beams.
OAO Corporation, Beltsville, MD. (1976 - 1977).
Systems Engineer: Developed a detailed computer simulation of the NIMBUS satellite's in flight dynamics and control system.
Computer Sciences Corporation, Silver Spring, MD. (1974 - 1976).
Mission Analyst: Supervision, maneuver planning, and real-time attitude analysis for the Atmospheric Explorer missions. Development and implementation of a novel magnetic attitude control technique.
Publications
Dr. Firestone has over 30 professional publications in the fields of:
- Controlled thermonuclear fusion reactors;
- Nuclear weapons phenomenology and effects;
- Applications of optimal control theory;
- Satellite dynamics and attitude control; and
- Experimental nuclear physics.
Summary
Dr. Firestone's Primary Field of Expertise: Physics
In addition, Dr. Firestone is also qualified to act as principal investigator in the scientific investigation of claims involving the following types of analysis:
Vehicles:
- Determination of speed from Skidmarks, Post-Collision Dynamics and Crush in Collisions.
- Failure of Sub-Systems, including Steering, Braking, Fuel and Suspension in Collisions.
- Time-motion Studies.
- Determination of Critical Speed and Tipping Characteristics.
- Analysis of Highways for Design/Construction Hazards.
Products:
- Determination of Failure of Mechanism.
- Defect in Product Design.
- Defect in Manufacturing Process.
Fire:
- Cause and Origin of fires occurring accidentally in Structures and Vehicles.
- Arson.
Industrial:
- Machine Design.
- OSHA and Other Code Compliance.
- Safety / Light Industrial Hygiene.
- Electronic design and packaging
Miscellaneous:
- Environmental testing
- Code Compliance relating to stairways, walkways and ramps.
- Illumination, temperature and noise levels.
- Slip and Trip analysis.
- Electronic and Nuclear Radiation effect.