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.
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 SERVICESFireworks 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 SERVICESWorking 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 SERVICESThe 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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“My experience with the experts at AEI has been nothing but positive.
They are knowledgeable, thorough, honest, responsive and a pleasure to work with.”
“The team at AEI bring the whole toolkit: they are experienced, thorough,
responsive, and practical - and nice folks to work with too!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“AEI is a Tier 1 forensic engineering company. Their education, training, experience, and professionalism
are unmatched in performing scientific investigations and providing unbiased opinions.”
AEI was founded by John L. Schumacher, Dennis E. Shelp, and John M. Freeman in 2005. AEI’s leadership team is comprised of John L. Schumacher, Dennis E. Shelp, and Zachary J. Jason. Founder John M. (Jay) Freeman continues to work as a full-time Senior Project Engineer. AEI’s experts have over 175 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.
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.
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.
Mr. Jason is a Principal Engineer with AEI Corporation and has over 15 years of consulting experience providing mechanical engineering and forensic analysis for investigations throughout the U.S., as well as internationally. Throughout his career, Mr. Jason’s primary focus has been in fire origin and cause determination, explosion investigations, and various other combustion incidents and thermal sciences.