OUR TEAM
Our professional engineers bring technical skills, knowledge, experience and integrity to each and every investigation, no matter how large or small.
George Saunders
P.E., C.F.E.I.
Founder
Mechanical Engineering, Product Liability, Fire Origin and Cause
Mr. Saunders received a B.S. in Physics from Frostburg State University and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park while performing an internship at the Patuxent Naval Air Station where he continued on as a full time mechanical engineer post-graduation. Continuing his education, Mr. Saunders earned his M.E. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2001.
Mr. Saunders then left his government position to join a forensics engineering firm where he earned his Professional Engineers license (AR, DE, MD, MS, PA, NJ, VA) and Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator Certification. After approximately ten years, Mr. Saunders formed Beacon Scientific in 2012.
Mr. Saunders is a certified training instructor in Aerial Work Platforms, Rough-Terrain Forklifts, and Crossbow Education. Mr. Saunders is also an FAA-certified, instrument-rated private pilot.
Anthony Bocchichio
P.E., C.F.E.I., C.V.F.I., A.C.T.A.R
Mechanical Engineering, Fire Origin and Cause, Accident Reconstruction
Mr. Bocchichio received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology in 2002. Mr. Bocchichio is a registered engineer in the states of Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Mr. Bocchichio is also a certified Fire & Explosion Investigator, certified Vehicle Fire Investigator, and an accredited Traffic Accident Reconstructionist.
Mr. Bocchichio has forensics experience in automotive accident reconstruction, structural and vehicle fire origin and cause, product liability and the analysis of mechanical systems. He is also a member of the the National Association of Professional Accident Reconstruction Specialists (NAPARS), the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), and the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI).
Mr. Bocchichio has over 15 years of experience in the field of forensic engineering with concentration on vehicular and marine accidents, fire origin and cause investigations, and mechanical systems.
John Handel
P.E.
Mechanical Engineering, Mining and Heavy Equipment, Product Liability
Mr. Handel received a BS in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Rochester Institute of Technology and a MS in Mechanical Engineering from Budapest University of Technology and Economics. He has worked in various fields, including space related aerospace engineering, heavy construction, and tunneling with an emphasis on process improvement and mechanical failure solutions and prevention.
Mr. Handel also enjoyed time working as a physics, calculus, and chemistry teacher.
Michael Duffy
Ph.D.
Solid Mechanics, Product Liability, Materials Failure
Dr. Duffy received a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Solid Mechanics from University of Maryland, Baltimore County. The M.S. research was in collaboration with Lockheed Martin on manufacturing and characterization of hybrid composite materials. The Ph.D. research was in collaboration was Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory on characterization of additively manufactured aluminum alloys. Following graduation, he continued research topics in collaboration with Office of Naval Research on characterization of additively manufactured titanium and steel alloys.
Dr. Duffy currently holds a lecturer position at Johns Hopkins University in the Mechanical Engineering department. Course material covers manufacturing processes, failure analysis, mechanical behavior of materials, and engineering design. He is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Society for the Advancement of Materials and Processing Engineering (SAMPE), The Minerals, Metals and Materials Society (TMS), and Society of Plastic Engineers (SPE).
Ben Hilliard
Operations and Client Services
Mr. Hilliard received a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Salisbury University. He has experience working in accounting, finance, and business development in numerous industries including construction, telecommunications, and non-profits.
Mr. Hilliard has served and continues to serve in numerous community oriented organizations including county government appointed positions, school Boards of Trustees, as well as philanthropic and civic organizations.