Robertson Engineering Investigations (REI)

Forensic Engineering Consulting / Fire Cause Analysis / Product Failure Analysis / Accident Reconstruction

1940 S. Triviz    •     Las Cruces, NM  88001     •     575-575-644-9595     •     Fax 866-532-8577       •    www.reifire.net      •     Fax 866-532-8577       •    Email cale@reifire.net    

 

 

CALE ROBERTSON, MSME, PE, CFI-IAAI

CFEI, CVFI, CFII, ACTAR

 

 

LICENSES

Licensed Professional Engineer, New Mexico

Licensed Private Investigator, New Mexico

Certified Fire Investigator, International Association of Arson Investigators

 

 

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

 

CERTIFICATIONS

  • Certified Fire Investigator CFI, International Association of Arson Investigators IAAI # 31-100801
  • Certified Traffic Accident Reconstructionist, Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstruction (ACTAR) # 1774
  • Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, NAFI
  • Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator, NAFI
  • Certified Fire Investigations Instructor, NAFI
  • Certified in Fire Pattern Recognition & Identification, PATC

·         Certified Auditor of European Directives:  97/23/EC Pressure Equipment Directive (PED); 99/36/EC Transportable Pressure Equipment Directive (TPED); and 93/42/EC Medical Device Directive (MDD) – Apragaz (European Notified Body) Brussels, Belgium (Certified to audit and test products and product manufacturing activities for US companies marketing in the European Community)

  • Certified for First Aid/CPR/AED, Red Cross

 

FIRE SCIENCE AND INVESTIGATION

University of Maryland (UMD)

·         Engineering Fire Protection (ENFP) 625, 3 credit hours – Advanced Fire Modeling, 2008

·         Engineering Fire Protection (ENFP 629), 3 credit hours – Advanced Fire Dynamics, 2008

 

International Symposium of Fire Investigation Science and Technology (ISFI)

·         ISFI, 2008

·         ISFI, 2006

 

University of Cincinnati (University Recognition for advanced participation in ISFI)

·         Independent Research in the Fire Service, 2008

·         Incendiary Fire Analysis and Investigation, 2006

 

California Conference of Arson Investigators (CCAI)

·         IAAI Expert Witness Courtroom Testimony Course, 2007

 

Public Agency Training Council (PATC)

·         L.P. and Gas Explosion Investigations & Flashovers and Unusual Patterns, 2007

·         Hands-On Vehicle Fire / Arson Investigation, 2007

·         Vehicle Fire Investigation, 2006

·         Fire Pattern Recognition and Identification, 2006

·         Arson Case Management, 2006

 

New Mexico International Arson Association of Arson Investigators (NM IAAI)

·         Origin and Cause, Electrical Fire Investigation, Subrogation & Explosive Recognition, 2008

·         Insurance Fraud, 2008

·         Fire Fighter Arson, K-9 Hydrocarbon Detection, Geographic Profiling, 2006

 

National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI)

·          National Seminar on Fire Analysis Litigation, 2006

·           National Fire, Arson, and Explosion Investigation Training Program, 2006

 

Fire Findings Laboratories

·         Investigation of Gas and Electric Appliance Fires, 2006 (2.5 Continuing Education Units from Western Michigan University)

 

C.F.I.Trainer

·         Digital Photography and the Fire Investigator, 2006

 

Lee S. Cole & Associates, Inc.

  • Investigation of Vehicle Fires Class, 2004

 

VEHICLE ACCIDENT/ACCIDENT RECONSTRUCTION

Northwestern University

  • Traffic Accident Reconstruction 1, 2005
  • Traffic Accident Reconstruction 2, 2005

 

Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM)

  • Inspection and Investigation of Commercial Vehicle Crashes, 2005

 

Southwestern Association of Technical Accident Investigators, Inc (SATAI)

  • Vehicle Crash Tests, 2004
  • Crash tests and data collection, 2004
  • Criminal vs. Civil Investigations, Evidentiary Differences, 2004
  • Test Crash Data, by W.R. “Rusty” Haight, 2004

 

Collision Safety Institute (CSI)

  • Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) System Operator, 2004

                        

Detroit Diesel

  • DDEC Reports/Data Extraction Class, 2004

 

GENERAL ENGINEERING

Wendell Hull & Associates, Inc.

  • Oxygen Hazard Awareness and Failure Analysis of Aluminum Bodied Regulators, Jan. 2008
  • New Mexico Radiation Safety Standards and Protection X-Ray Training Course, May 2007

 

Rio Rancho Department of Public Safety

·         Clandestine Laboratory Awareness, 2006

 

Sunwest CAD, Inc. – Solid Works Authorized Training, Testing and Support Center

·          Essentials: Parts and Assemblies, Volume I and II, 2005

  • Essentials: Drawings, 2005
  • Advanced Part Modeling, 2005
  • Advance Assembly Modeling, 2005

 

GENERAL

Dale Carnegie Classes

  • High Impact Presentation, September 2005
  • Effective Communications and Human Relations, January, 2005 (received the “Human Relations” award)

 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Principal Forensic Engineer (June 2008 – Present)

Robertson Engineering Investigations (REI), Las Cruces, New Mexico

  • Forensic Engineering Consultant
  • Fire Origin and Cause Investigation and Analysis
  • Vehicle Component and Equipment Fires
  • Vehicle Accident Investigation and Reconstruction
  • Scene Surveys and Diagramming
  • Equipment and Mechanical Component Failure Analysis
  • Engineering Consultant

 

 

Forensic Engineer and Accident Reconstructionist (May 2004 – June 2008)

Wendell Hull & Associates, Las Cruces, New Mexico

  • Forensic Engineering Consultant
  • Fire Origin and Cause Investigation and Analysis
  • Vehicle Component and Equipment Fires
  • Vehicle Accident Investigation and Reconstruction
  • Scene Surveys and Diagramming
  • Equipment and Mechanical Component Failure Analysis
  • Engineering Consultant

 

Engineering Research Specialist (August 2002 – May 2004)

Border Technology Deployment Center – Physical Science Laboratory – New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico

·         Pioneered an infrared imaging Commercial Vehicle Brake Inspection System framework for an international border crossing and inter-state ports of entry

·         Responsible for Technologies and Deployment research including:

-          Thermo, Dynamics, and Heat Transfer issues

-          Weigh in motion, especially focusing on use of fiber optics

-          Fiber optics

-          Biometrics

-          Other homeland security technologies applications

·         Coordinated and communicated with various organizations and interested parties to organize Technology Workshops varying in size from 5 to 125 people

·         Built database of information concerning Homeland Security issues using End Note Bibliographic software

 

Engineering Co-op (August 2000 – December 2000 and February 2002 – August 2002)

Dometic Corp., El Paso, Texas

·          Performed laboratory testing and reports – designed component testing plans, tested component systems, and wrote detailed reports to present to superiors on testing methodology, component performance, and conclusions and suggestions

·         Performed stress analysis and designed feasibility studies for various components

·         Designed and produced prototypes

·          Performed 3-D Modeling using Mechanical Desktop to design, model, and produce dimensioned drawings for use in prototyping and manufacturing

·         Implemented new product designs

·         Designed for manufacturability – including touring manufacturing plants and communicating suggested part design and re-design with plant managers

 

 

PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

 

“Analysis of Ethylene Glycol-Based Engine Coolant as a Vehicle Fire Fuel,” published in ISFI 2008 Proceedings, International Symposium on Fire Investigation Science and Technology; presented at the ISFI, Biennial Symposium, co-authors J. Mullen, B. Sidwell, J. Stradling and W.C. Hull, May 2008

 

“Analysis and Model Testing of a Dual Origin Natural Gas Fire with Remote Fuel Source and Remote Piloted Ignition Mechanism,” published in ISFI 2008 Proceedings, International Symposium on Fire Investigation Science and Technology; co-authors J. Mullen, B. Sidwell, J. Stradling and W.C. Hull, May 2008

 

“Non-SGFP Neon Transformer Electric Arc Fire Hazards,” presented at the NFPA, Mexico Fire and Safety Expo in Mexico City, co-authors D. Pippen, J. Stradling and W.C. Hull, June 2006  (Presented entirely in Spanish)

 

“Neon Transformer Electric Arcs as Viable Ignition Mechanisms for Wood Structural Members,” published in ISFI 2006 Proceedings, International Symposium on Fire Investigation Science and Technology; presented at the ISFI, Biennial Symposium, co-authors D. Pippen, J. Stradling and W.C. Hull, June 2006

 

“Black Boxes and a Summary of Modern Accident Reconstruction,” presented to the Dona Ana Bar Association, co-author W.C. Hull, March 2005

 

“Crash Data Retrieval of Black Box Information,” presented to the New Mexico Claims Association, co-author W.C. Hull, February 2005

 

“Evaluation of Commercial Vehicle Brake Performance,” presented to Wendell Hull & Associates, Inc., 2004

 

“Thermal Inspection Systems,” presented as an Oral Defense, New Mexico State University, Spring 2004

 

“Dynamically Evaluating Commercial Vehicle Brake Performance at a Port-of-Entry,” presented to the New Mexico Border Authority, co-author M. Noonchester, 2004

 

“Traffic Technology Applications at an International Port of Entry,” presented to the New Mexico Department of Transportation in Santa Fe, New Mexico, co-author M. Noonchester, 2004

 

“Dust Storms and Highway Safety,” presented to the New Mexico Highway Department in Deming, New Mexico, co-author M. Noonchester, 2003

 

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI)

International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)

New Mexico International Association of Arson Investigators (NMIAAI)

  • Acting/Elected Treasurer for the NMIAAI – September 2007 - present

Southwestern Association of Technical Accident Investigators (SATAI)

Pi Tau Sigma, Engineering Honors, Scholastic Honor Society (PTS)

New Mexico State University Sociedad de Ingenieros (Society of Engineers)

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) – past member

Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) – past member

 

 

 

EDUCATION

 

Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, 2004, 3.5/4.0 GPA

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering, (minor in Mathematics), New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, Crimson Scholar, 2002, 3.5/4.0 GPA

Fundamentals of Engineering (FE), National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying Exam, exam passed 2001

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Other Experience

 

Mobile Home Component Failure Analysis & Design Problem Evaluations,  2000 – 2007 (part-time)

·         Plumbing Problems; including leaks due to types of material used in manufacture

·         Roofing Problems; caused by air conditioner leaks, age, etc.

·         Siding Problems; including swelling/rotting of fiber board

·         Flooring Problems; including holes, causes and repairs

·         Blocking; including stacking, spacing, anchoring, etc.

 

Construction Experience, 1994 – 2007 (part-time)    

·         Residential and Commercial

·         Wood/Metal Framing

·         Concrete Block and Adobe Construction; including Stucco finish

·         Roofing; metal and shingle

·         Plumbing and Electrical

·         Tractor and Back Hoe Operation

·         Metal Fabrication; including welding, shaping, cutting, machining and design

 

Automotive Mechanic, 1996 – 1997     

·         Diagnosis/Preventative Maintenance

·         Vehicle repairs including engine overhaul and replacement

 

Languages (in addition to English)

 

Spanish – fluent; familiar with Mexican culture

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Updated 03/25/2010