Forensic Solutions
CARBON MONOXIDE
The mere nature of carbon monoxide creates for challenging investigations. It takes a unique understanding involving something so deadly that you can’t see, smell, or taste. At AEI, we have the right team that has the capabilities to investigate the crucial matters of these incidents.Learn More
CHEMICAL
Chemical incidents typically involve examining unique, proprietary processes, but investigating them comes down to one thing, determining root cause. AEI helps our clients make informed decisions on how to handle the claim and prevent future recurrence.Learn More
ELECTRICAL
Electrical incidents can be difficult to unravel. What might seem like an obvious cause, in reality, may be part of a cause and effect chain that goes much deeper. Our team possesses a unique combination of knowledge and experience to get the job done right.
FIRE & EXPLOSION
Our team of CFI/CFEI certified investigators and licensed engineers investigate fires and explosions across a broad spectrum of disciplines. We are experts in determining origin and cause, and ours is true team approach. No incident is too small or too large for AEI.Learn More
FIRE PROTECTION
When fire protection systems fail, AEI determines why. With numerous potential causative factors, these investigations are anything but simple. Let the AEI team isolate the relevant factors that contributed to a particular incident.
MATERIALS SCIENCE
Materials science is a specialty field that encompasses engineering, physics, and chemistry as they relate to the structure and behavior of various materials. AEI has the expertise to examine interactions between differing materials and environmental conditions at the heart of an incident.
MECHANICAL
A basic rule of mechanical forensics is that you need to know what you’re looking at, so you know what to look for. AEI investigators possess broad mechanical knowledge that spans a wide variety of systems, equipment, and components.
OIL & GAS
At AEI, we understand the unique technology of oil and gas equipment and how factors such as pipeline overload, material fatigue, critical wear, improper repair, lack of maintenance, and operator error can lead to a wide array of accidents.
PYROTECHNICS
AEI’s multi-disciplinary team, which includes two certified Fireworks/Pyrotechnics Display Technicians versed in local, state, federal, and international codes, understands the destructive potential of explosive devices when things go awry.
LABORATORY & FACILITY SOLUTIONS
Investigators are only as good as the tools at their disposal. AEI built one of the foremost investigative facilities in the country that is designed so we can find answers to even the most difficult and complex investigations while preserving any evidence we examine.Learn More
EXPERT WITNESS TESTIMONY
The professionals at AEI Corporation are fully qualified to provide expert witness testimony for cases heard in state and federal courts. We can provide testimony that pertains to our investigation of your case or act as a subject matter expert.
ABOUT
Since 2005, AEI’s experts have utilized forensic engineering and their expertise to help determine the causes of incidents for a broad spectrum of clients. Some of those clients include propane and natural gas companies, appliance and equipment manufacturers, utilities, law firms, insurance carries, the transportation industry and more. We take our jobs seriously, because we understand what is at stake for our clients. Our goal is to deliver answers and the proof to back them up.
PINPOINT THE WHERE, THE WHY, AND THE HOW
Our team of CFI/CFEI certified investigators and licensed engineers investigate fires and explosions across a broad spectrum of disciplines that include mechanical, electrical/electronics, chemical and fire suppression and protection.
VIEW ALL OUR SERVICESGET ANSWERS BUILT ON EXPERTISE
Fireworks and pyrotechnics can span everything from small consumer sparklers, firecrackers, and fountains to larger professional aerial shells and intricate close proximity effects. AEI’s multi-disciplinary team understands the destructive potential of explosive devices.
VIEW ALL OUR SERVICESLEVERAGE SPECIALIZED INSIGHT
Working in oil and gas is an inherently hazardous job that takes a certain kind of person with a specialized set of skills and knowledge. The same holds true for those who investigate any incidents that may occur. AEI has investigated losses involving all facets of the oil and gas industry.
VIEW ALL OUR SERVICESUNCOVER WHAT EVEN THE SENSES CAN’T DETECT
The mere nature of carbon monoxide creates for challenging investigations. It takes a unique understanding to investigate incidents involving something so deadly that you can’t see, smell, or taste. It also takes a team with the right equipment, experience, training, and expertise.
VIEW ALL OUR SERVICES
“I have worked with the engineers and fire investigators at AEI for over 20 years. Their knowledge and professionalism are second to none. That is not merely my opinion -- when we are at fire scenes I witness the respect shown to AEI engineers by the other engineers and fire investigators who are there for other parties.”
PETER B. NEWTON
Partner - Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg
“AEI’s engineers are the best in the business - knowledgeable, professional and dependable. They are always extremely responsive to my needs and give me immediate feedback on projects they are handling for me, which I truly appreciate.”
BELINDA SMITH
SPX Corporation
“The engineers at AEI are knowledgeable and experienced. They provide exceptional work with a strong understanding of the scope of the assigned project. This is a first-rate group of forensic engineering experts.”
JENNIFER POYNTER, Esq.
Poynter Law LLC
“My experience with the experts at AEI has been nothing but positive.
They are knowledgeable, thorough, honest, responsive and a pleasure to work with.”PATRICK C. QUINLIVAN, P.C.
Quinlivan Esq., P.C.
“The team at AEI bring the whole toolkit: they are experienced, thorough,
responsive, and practical - and nice folks to work with too!”JEANNINE L. LEE
Partner - Stinson Leonard Street LLP
“E-Risk Solutions is a national investigations company dealing with fire and explosions, accident reconstruction and environmental incidents. We often work with AEI Corporation, and continuously find the experts at AEI Corporation are second to none. They are extremely flexible, thoroughly well-versed, knowledgeable, and always well prepared.
They present their findings in a credible and professional manner.”PETER C. CUMMINGS
Technical Investigator - E-Risk Solutions, Inc.
“When I am on an incident scene with AEI professionals I know I’m there with the best.
Perhaps more importantly, others on the scene know it as well.”GEORGE R. NEUHAUSER
Nall & Miller, LLP
“The Engineers at AEI are an invaluable asset to a litigator through all phases of a case,
including expert depositions – something many seasoned forensic engineers struggle with.”KADEE J. ANDERSON
Partner - Stinson Leonard Street LLP
“AEI is a Tier 1 forensic engineering company. Their education, training, experience, and professionalism
are unmatched in performing scientific investigations and providing unbiased opinions.”SHANNON M. KOS
Attorney and CFEI - Collins Einhorn Farrell PC
AEI In the News
John L. Schumacher and Zachary J. Jason Presenting at DRI 2019 Product Liability Conference
Zachary J. Jason and John L. Schumacher will be presenting on February 7th and 8th, respectively, during the 2019 DRI Product...
Gasoline Geysering
Gasoline begins producing vapors at temperatures well below freezing. On a balmy summer day…
HASH OIL EXPLOSIONS
Over the past several years, the decriminalization and legalization of marijuana has surged…
FLAMMABLE COLORED POWDER
Here along the Colorado Front Range, we are no strangers to the wide range of unique and even bizarre...
Grill fires
This video is of a news segment shot by Denver 7 News. In it, AEI simulates a gas grill fire on...
Charles B. Sullivan Featured as Key Note Speaker for Three National Association of Fire Equipment Distributor Conferences in 2019
AEI Corporation (Advanced Engineering Investigations) Senior Consultant, Charles B. (Charlie) Sullivan has been asked to present at all three of the...
Charles B. Sullivan Gains International Expert Witness Testimony Experience
Charles B. Sullivan, ASCR2, CKH2, and Senior Consultant at AEI Corporation, recently gained the distinction of providing expert witness testimony experience...
Charles R Brown III Completes Propane Education Research Council Training
AEI Corporation congratulates Charles Brown, IAAI-FIT, for the successful completion of the Propane Education and Research Council’s (PERC) course, “Basic Principles...
Zachary J. Jason, PE, CFI, CFEI Named Partner at AEI Corporation
Mr. Jason is an original member of AEI Corporation, and has been a practicing forensic engineer with the firm since it was...
Charles B. Sullivan,Senior Consultant, Presents at National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors Conference in Las Vegas
AEI Corporation Senior Consultant, Charles B. (Charlie) Sullivan has been asked to present at all three of the 2019 National Association...
Flashover Fridays Live Burn at AEI – May 17, 2019
Register here. Printed Circuit Board Assemblies (PCBAs) are ubiquitous. Nearly every powered product contains Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) populated with electronics....
KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE
AEI was founded by John M. Freeman, John L. Schumacher, and Dennis E. Shelp in 2005. Together they have over 89 years of combined experience in forensic engineering and investigation. AEI’s strenghts include the versatility of their experts and the breadth of types of investigations where they can be of assistance. At AEI, we know that successful forensic investigations begin with asking the right questions, and then following through until hidden causes are discovered and problems solved.
JOHN M. (JAY) FREEMAN
MS, PE, CFEI
President
JOHN L. SCHUMACHER
MChE, PE, CFI, CFPS
Vice President
DENNIS E. SHELP
MS, PE, CFI, CFEI
Principal
- JOHN L. SCHUMCHER
- JOHN M. (JAY)FREEMAN
- DENNIS E. SHELP
KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE
Mr. Freeman has over 39 years of forensic experience and is a nationally recognized engineer specializing In gas appliances and natural gas and propane explosions. He is an expert in carbon monoxide poisonings, flammable liquid fires and explosions. He has testified in state district courts and united states district courts throughout the united states. Mr. Freeman is the president of AEI corporation.
JOHN M. (JAY) FREEMAN
MS, PE, CFEI
President
VIEW RESUMEKNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE
Mr. Schumacher has been a practicing consulting and forensic engineer since 1992. He is a licensed chemical engineer and an IAAI Certified Fire Investigator who specializes in determining the origin and cause of fires and explosions; investigating accidents in the chemical process and oil & gas industries; analyzing flammable and combustible liquid related accidents; and investigating carbon monoxide and chemical related incidents. Additionally, he is a NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist. Mr. Schumacher has provided expert testimony in a number of states, and is the Vice President of AEI Corporation.
JOHN L. SCHUMACHER
MChE, PE, CFI, CFPS
Vice President
KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE
Mr. Shelp has been providing forensic engineering services since 1997. He specializes in origin and cause investigation of fires and explosions, vehicle accident reconstruction, and injury accident analysis. Mr. Shelp has given presentations on fire and explosion investigation, and accident reconstruction, and has provided expert testimony in numerous state courts.
DENNIS E. SHELP
MS, PE, CFI, CFEI
Principal
VIEW RESUMEKNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE
Mr. Jason is a licensed mechanical engineer with a focus in the areas of fluid mechanics and thermal sciences. He has over 7 years experience as a forensic engineer specializing in gas system analysis and testing, including the investigation of fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide incidents. He also specializes in the failure analysis of components related to fire suppression, plumbing, HVAC, and pyrotechnic systems. Prior to receiving his engineering degree, he worked as a firefighter for 6 years and works part-time as a certified pyrotechnic display technician.
ZACHARY J. JASON
PE, CFI, CFEI
Principal
KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE
AEI was founded by John M. Freeman, John L. Schumacher, and Dennis E. Shelp in 2005. Zachary J. Jason was named partner in 2019, and has been with AEI since it was founded. Together, these four have over 100 years of combined experience in forensic engineering and investigation. AEI’s strenghts include the versatility of their experts and the breadth of types of investigations where they can be of assistance. At AEI, we know that successful forensic investigations begin with asking the right questions, and then following through until hidden causes are discovered and problems solved.
JOHN M. (JAY) FREEMAN
MS, PE, CFEI
President
JOHN L. SCHUMACHER
MChE, PE, CFI, CFPS
Vice President
DENNIS E. SHELP
MS, PE, CFI, CFEI
Principal
ZACHARY J. JASON
PE, CFI, CFEI
Principal
- JOHN L. SCHUMCHER
- JOHN M. (JAY) FREEMAN
- ZACHARY J. JASON
- DENNIS E. SHELP
KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE
Mr. Freeman has over 42 years of forensic experience and is a nationally recognized engineer specializing in gas appliances and natural gas and propane explosions. He is an expert in carbon monoxide poisonings, flammable liquid fires and explosions. He has testified in state district courts and United States District Courts throughout the United States. Mr. Freeman is the President of AEI corporation.
JOHN M. (JAY) FREEMAN
MS, PE, CFEI
President
KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE
Mr. Schumacher has been a practicing consulting and forensic engineer since 1992. He is a licensed chemical engineer and an IAAI Certified Fire Investigator who specializes in determining the origin and cause of fires and explosions; investigating accidents in the chemical process and oil & gas industries; analyzing flammable and combustible liquid related accidents; and investigating carbon monoxide and chemical related incidents. Additionally, he is a NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist. Mr. Schumacher has provided expert testimony in a number of states, and is the Vice President of AEI Corporation.
JOHN L. SCHUMACHER
MChE, PE, CFI, CFPS
Vice President
KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE
Mr. Shelp has been providing forensic engineering services since 1997. He specializes in origin and cause investigation of fires and explosions, vehicle accident reconstruction, and injury accident analysis. Mr. Shelp has given presentations on fire and explosion investigation, and accident reconstruction, and has provided expert testimony in numerous state courts.
DENNIS E. SHELP
MS, PE, CFI, CFEI
Principal
KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE
Mr. Jason is a licensed mechanical engineer with a focus in the areas of fluid mechanics and thermal sciences. He has over 7 years experience as a forensic engineer specializing in gas system analysis and testing, including the investigation of fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide incidents. He also specializes in the failure analysis of components related to fire suppression, plumbing, HVAC, and pyrotechnic systems. Prior to receiving his engineering degree, he worked as a firefighter for 6 years and works part-time as a certified pyrotechnic display technician.
ZACHARY J. JASON
PE, CFI, CFEI
Principal
