Experts
Our Scientific Consulting Experts
The reputation of our scientific consulting experts has earned the respect and admiration of law partners and peers alike. Our scientists have shown their experience, education, and qualifications in state and federal courts, in peer-reviewed literature, and in the committees and panels where they recommend and develop analytical methodologies to comply with industry regulations.
Our Experts
Alan Levine, Ph.D.
Senior Consulting Scientist
Allison Murtha Laneve
Client Relations Manager & Forensic Scientist
Anthony Bentivegna, Ph.D., PE
Construction Materials Affiliated Consultant
Michael Baker
Construction Materials Laboratory Manager
Bryan R. Bandli, Ph.D.
Mineralogist & Microscopist
Christopher M. Hefferan, Ph.D.
Applied Physicist & Consulting Scientist
Gary Casuccio
Senior Scientist
Keith Rickabaugh, CIH, MBA
Technical Director, Materials & Analytical Services
Keith Wagner
Senior Materials Scientist
Kristin Bunker, Ph.D.
Senior Scientist
Lykourgous Iordanidis, Ph.D.
Laboratory Manager of Analytical Services & Senior Chemist
Matthew Perricone, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator & Technical Consulting Group Manager
Matthew Sanchez, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Michael J. Deible, Ph.D.
Consulting Scientist
Monica McGrath-Koerner
Consulting Scientist
Richard J. Lee, Ph.D.
CEO & Consulting Scientist
Steve Schlaegle
Vice President, Business Development
Stephen M. Stacey, PE
Construction Materials Affiliated Consultant
Steven J. Monaco, Ph.D.
Senior Materials Scientist
Tarah Helsel
Manager & Forensic Scientist
Peter Zemek, PhD
Vice President, Emerging Contaminants
Alan Levine, Ph.D.
Senior Consulting Scientist
Dr. Alan Levine has more than 40 years of experience in chemistry and materials research, consulting and product formulation. He has provided technical support to a broad range of industrial, legal and government clients since 2001. Recent work has included evaluating PFAS properties, developing oil product derivatives and developing anti-microbial agents, including COVID-focused products. Dr. Levine has designed novel methods for analysis on atomic absorption spectroscopy, emission spectroscopy, gas chromatography, high pressure liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, thermo-gravimetric analyses, and scanning electron microscopy. He has designed and conducted studies for evaluation of proposed and existing technologies for a variety of industrial applications. Dr. Levine has worked with the EPA, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Army Corps of Engineers, and DOE through research grants, as well as a government CRADA.
Prior to joining RJ Lee Group, he was Director of Laboratory Programs for the Center for Hazardous Materials Research where he was responsible for the establishment and management of laboratory programs to evaluate the chemical fate and dissipation of substances in compliance with FIFRA and TSCA requirements. During his tenure with CHMR his laboratory analyzed water and sediment as part of an independent study on the effects of the 1988 Ashland diesel oil spill into the Monongahela and Ohio rivers. In the aftermath of the Valdez oil spill in 1989 he consulted on a collaborative project between NETAC (National Environmental Technology Applications Center) and USEPA to develop a method to monitor the effectiveness of bioremediation products on crude oil and petroleum contaminants.
Dr. Levine holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Physics and a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences where he focused on Analytical Biochemistry and Microbiology. He is a member of the American Chemical Society. He has authored over 25 publications on his work and has 20 issued patents and 18 pending patents in the US and other countries.
Allison Murtha Laneve
Client Relations Manager & Forensic Scientist
Ms. Allison Murtha Laneve is the Manager of RJ Lee Group’s Client Relations Department, leading a team of specialists to meet client satisfaction goals. She and her team are instrumental in providing support, proposals, training, and much more to help clients achieve their goals.
Allison previously managed the Criminal; Forensics department, overseeing and participating in the preparation, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of gunshot residue (GSR) evidence using Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) techniques.
She is an expert witness and has given testimony in federal, state, and county courts for both the prosecution and the defense on more than 120 occasions and is certified to testify in 27 U.S. states, DC and two foreign countries.
In 2013, she led the department to successful American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors / Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) accreditation in GSR and GSR distance determination.
As an adjunct faculty member at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pa., she teaches courses in trace evidence and arson & explosives. She holds both a B.S. in Biochemistry and an M.S. in Forensic Science and Law from Duquesne University.
Anthony Bentivegna, Ph.D., PE
Construction Materials Affiliated Consultant
Dr. Anthony Bentivegna
is a Professional Engineer (PE) and an affiliated consultant with Durability Engineers (DE). He has over 14 years of experience in durability engineering and materials consulting. Dr. Bentivegna’s focus areas are on durability, concrete materials, concrete, and rehabilitation and repair design.
He specializes in forensic investigations, including determining the root cause of concrete failures, novel construction products, and building materials. His experience concentrates on laboratory investigations accompanied by on-site investigations through visual, destructive, and non-destructive testing (NDT), and correlation of findings between the field and laboratory.
Dr. Bentivegna is responsible for Durability Engineers’ (DE) practice for extending the service life of new and existing structures. He assists clients with the development of durability plans during preconstruction, the pre-bid phase of projects, and the implementation of durability designs during the design and construction phases of work. For existing structures, Dr. Bentivegna assists with condition assessments and laboratory testing to determine the remaining service of life.
Dr. Bentivegna is registered as a professional engineer across several states and received his Bachelors from Georgia Tech and his Masters and PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.
He is an active voting member at the American Concrete Institute (ACI), for 350B, 221, 201, 201J as well as the acting secretary for the new Durability Code, ACI 321. Dr. Bentivegna is a Task Group Chair for ASTM Committee C9.50 for aggregate reactions in concrete and is a voting member for C09 Concrete and Concrete Aggregates, and Committee C01 on Cement.
Michael Baker
Construction Materials Laboratory Manager
Mr. Michael Baker serves as the Department Manager of the Concrete Materials Laboratory and has nearly a decade of experience in concrete petrographic studies at RJ Lee Group. In addition to managing the concrete materials laboratory operations, he directs and conducts petrographic evaluations, in combination with chemical and physical testing, to identify failure and distress mechanisms in concrete and cementitious materials.
Mr. Baker is experienced in the application of Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with X-ray Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) to conduct a broad range of evaluations. His expertise is in failure analysis and forensic investigations of concrete and cementitious materials in which he has evaluated concrete from structures including roadways, bridge elements, parking garages, building foundations, airfield pavements, marine wharfs, and swimming pools among other building applications. His experience includes but is not limited to evaluating the cause of cracking, scaling, and spalling of concrete; delamination and de bonding of concrete and stucco; damage from freezing and thawing, as well as coating system failures and cementitious product evaluation. Mr. Baker is also well-versed in the condition assessment of asbestos cement pipe (ACP) used in water distribution systems, as well as the application of SEM for forensic investigations of particulate.
Michael is a graduate of Clarion University of Pennsylvania where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Geoscience. He is a registered member of the Society of Concrete Petrographers and the American Concrete Institute (ACI). He carries numerous certifications, including 49 Code of Federal Regulations and ACI Field Testing Technician – Grade 1.
Bryan R. Bandli, Ph.D.
Mineralogist & Microscopist
Bryan Bandli, Ph.D. is a mineralogist and microscopist with over a decade of practical experience performing microanalytical investigations of a wide variety of materials. He has worked extensively on the characterization of asbestos. He has employed various automated scanning electron microscopy (SEM) systems with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) techniques to characterize bulk materials and particulate for mining, geology, and stack emission testing projects. Dr. Bandli has successfully applied electron backscatter detection (EBSD) to the identification of asbestos minerals and zeolites.
Dr. Brandli is an experienced instructor of courses on mineralogy and microscopy to graduate and undergraduate students. Prior to joining RJ Lee Group, Dr. Bandli managed an analytical laboratory at the University of Minnesota, Duluth, where he was involved in numerous high-level research projects on a wide range of subjects including geology, biology, ecology, medicine, engineering, and failure analysis.
Extensive experience in the application of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) techniques to characterize minerals, materials and particulates related to mining and processing industries.
Christopher M. Hefferan, Ph.D.
Applied Physicist & Consulting Scientist
Dr. Chris Hefferan is an applied physicist specializing in first principles application to technical problems that caters to a broad range of disciplines and industries. He serves as the principal scientist on unique and complex problems requiring both the rigorous application of the scientific method and an innovative approach to achieve resolution. These investigations often encompass failure analysis of metals and plastics and utilize a diverse suite of techniques ranging from microscopy to analytical chemistry.
Dr. Hefferan is one of the pioneering developers of the synchrotron-based near-field High Energy X-ray Diffraction (nf-HEDM) technique at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) 1-ID beamline at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL).
His publications focus on grain topology, grain orientation, and microstructural response to thermal treatments in metals. These publications are some of the first scientific results produced with this technique Dr. Hefferan has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and has presented at scientific conferences.
Gary Casuccio
Senior Scientist
Mr. Gary Casuccio is a Senior Scientist at RJ Lee Group, Inc., with over 40 years’ experience as a research scientist and project manager at the RJ Lee Group where he focuses on environmental particulate analysis, air quality and nanomaterials characterization. Mr. Casuccio was involved a multi-phase study on unbound nanoparticles (UNP), conducted in collaboration with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), to evaluate worker exposure and potential environmental release of UNP.
He has also developed techniques for the characterization of particulate matter using CCSEM (Computer Controlled Scanning Electron Microscopy), was the project leader for the development of sampling and analysis protocols for the Department of Energy Continuous Fiber Composite Program, and is an advisor to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) on the analysis of particulate matter using SEM and CCSEM techniques. Mr. Casuccio has published in peer-reviewed literature and has testified in federal courts.
Mr. Casuccio has. He specializes in environmental studies focused on individual particle analysis/identification and apportionment, and worked as a consultant and advisor to the to the EPA on particle analysis using scanning electron microscopic (SEM) techniques for over thirty years. He has conducted studies with NASA related to the analysis of particulate samples in the cabin area of the Space Shuttle and more recently in the various compartments of the International Space Station. He designed experimental procedures and conducted analyses on ambient samples collected during the aftermath of the Kuwait Desert Storm for the U.S. Army, and was the PI for the microscopy analyses portion of an environmental assessment conducted by the U.S. Army in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
Mr. Casuccio has worked closely with the EPA and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to advance the use of passive samplers combined with automated SEM techniques to speciate particulate matter and provide ambient concentrations of PM10; PM2.5 and PM10-2.5. He was the PI for a study related to design of a test system to evaluate the release of ultrafine silver particles in water discharge from washing machines for a major consumer appliance manufacturer. Communicated with engineers and performed lab studies related to silver anode sanitization tests that were conducted to address critical questions asked by EPA. He has also been a PI on air quality projects involving monitoring and evaluating SO2, NOx, and H2S concentrations in ambient air, and he is currently working with the researchers at the Center for Inhalation Toxicology at West Virginia University and with NIOSH to monitor and evaluate emissions generated from combustion from non-industrial sources from a toxicological perspective.
Mr. Casuccio holds a B.S. in Physics, a M.S. in Physics and Atmospheric Science. Mr. Casuccio has been an instructor of short courses on SEM, automated SEM and receptor modeling for the American Association for Aerosol Research (AAAR) and the EPA. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed literature is a reviewer for several academic journals.
Keith Rickabaugh, CIH, MBA
Technical Director, Materials & Analytical Services
Mr. Keith Rickabaugh is a Principal Investigator at RJ Lee Group where he utilizes his broad range of laboratory, field and project/program management experience to routinely support commercial, industrial, and governmental clients. Keith is board certified in the Comprehensive Practice of Industrial Hygiene (CIH) and has a BS in Materials Science and Engineering and an MBA.
He has a diverse education and over 25 years of involvement using applied sciences and instrumental analysis methods to investigate matters that have or may have legal relevance. One of his core competencies is the ability to simplify complex issues and clearly communicate findings to target audiences as well as to the general population. Mr. Rickabaugh has designed and implemented testing programs in addition to providing oversight for numerous high-profile projects. He has worked with a variety of Federal, State and Local regulatory authorities.
Keith supervises and manages confidentially sensitive projects and often performs his own hands-on testing. He provides critical project team technical support to outside experts and for RJ Lee Group technical staff members on a routine basis. He serves as a consulting expert to provide candid guidance, advice and testing for legal counsel and management executives. His work is commonly used to put scientific evidence into appropriate context regarding potential implications and significance of results.
Keith Wagner
Senior Materials Scientist
Mr. Keith Wagner is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Physics and Physical Metallurgy. He has over 30 years of experience and is currently a Senior Materials Scientist with supervisory and technical responsibilities focused on industrial problem solving, forensic materials investigations and failure analysis for commercial, legal and governmental clientele. He has conducted materials evaluations on all classes of materials.
Mr. Wagner has also published and presented on materials processing and failure analysis in the areas of metallic alloy systems, concrete and structural materials, nanotechnology, CO2 sequestration, particle and residual materials analysis, corrosion, wear and applications of various materials characterization techniques.
Mr. Wagner’s responsibilities have also included research, development and evaluation of a variety of mission-critical defense systems and components. He was previously involved in various Nuclear Survivability Programs addressing thermo-mechanical, transient radiation and electromagnetic effects on materials, devices and systems.
Mr. Wagner was co-author of the Tech Based Master Plan describing Nuclear Weapon Effects on Next Generation and Notional Systems. He has also investigated improvements for solid-state components and memory device failures employed in missile navigation systems. Mr. Wagner has been involved in numerous prototype development and research projects dealing with device/component testing and accelerated life testing.
Mr. Wagner has authored numerous technical reports and client deliverable documents. He has published in technical and peer-reviewed literature and has provided expert testimony in state and federal court.
Kristin Bunker, Ph.D.
Senior Scientist
Dr. Kristin L. Bunker, Ph.D. is currently a Senior Scientist at RJ Lee Group, where she specializes in the analysis and characterization of materials utilizing ultra-high-resolution electron microscopy and X-ray spectroscopy techniques.
She directs and conducts forensic examinations of particulate, nanomaterials, coatings, and thin films in advanced materials, environmental, manufacturing, and pharmaceutical projects. Dr. Bunker works closely with industry, national laboratories, and government agencies in the evaluation of nanoparticles from an industrial hygiene and environmental perspective. She is an expert in the characterization of various nanomaterials used in sensors, diagnostics, aerospace composites, architectural products, and protective coatings, among others.
From 2012 to 2014, Dr. Bunker served as the president of the internationally recognized Microanalysis Society (MAS). She is the author or co-author of more than 40 publications covering topics in semiconductors, life sciences, mineralogy, and nanomaterials. Prior to receiving her Ph.D., Dr. Bunker served as an expert witness in California courts for the analysis of gunshot residue (GSR).
Lykourgous Iordanidis, Ph.D.
Laboratory Manager of Analytical Services & Senior Chemist
Dr. Lykourgos Iordanidis is a senior chemist and the Laboratory Manager of Analytical Services for RJ Lee Group. He oversees and directs the organic and inorganic laboratories in providing services to a broad range of industries for quality of materials, component performance, and forensic investigation. Dr. Iordanidis directs analysis for quality of materials, component performance, and forensic investigations. His team routinely investigates for regulatory compliance, manufacturing materials specifications, and root cause of failure.
Using his extensive experience, Dr. Iordanidis leads studies related to air quality, heavy metals, inorganic acids, organic solvents and vapors and VOCs, and diesel particulate matter. He also conducts studies on synthesis, physicochemical, and structural characterization for materials such as porous and extended inorganic and organic solids.
His work has resulted in the development of an anti-corrosion additive for concrete and its repair, as well as other chemical compounds for commercial applications. As a member of the American Chemical Society and the Materials Research Society, he holds one patent and has published extensively in peer reviewed literature.
Matthew Perricone, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator & Technical Consulting Group Manager
Dr. Matthew J. Perricone is a Principal Investigator and the Technical Consulting Group Manager at RJ Lee Group, Inc., where he directs and performs root cause failure analyses for multiple industrial sectors in support of product development, performance optimization, and manufacturing quality assurance. His projects also include addressing warranty, insurance and product liability claims.
Dr. Perricone has been accepted as an expert in Corrosion and Materials Science in U.S. District Court in multiple districts and has testified in a variety of cases including the multi-district litigation surrounding imported Chinese-manufactured drywall, assessment of corrosive impact of chemical processing to building structures, and determination of compositional consistency of lead-containing paint with historic manufacturer formulations. He has led extensive investigations of concrete and its durability in industries ranging from transportation to nuclear energy generation.
Dr. Perricone has conducted numerous studies of corrosion performance of materials including accelerated life testing in simulated service environments and has done extensive work on alloy development for U.S. naval applications.
He has published in peer-reviewed literature and serves as a peer reviewer for multiple materials science journals including Metallurgical and Materials Transactions. In 2018, the Materials Technology Institute published Dr. Perricone’s book, Atlas of Microstructures for Alloy C-276 and Similar Casting Alloys which was peer-reviewed by a committee of industry representatives that manufacture and use these alloys and distributed to their members as a reference. He has held a variety of leadership roles at ASM International during his decades of membership and is an active voting member of technical committees ASTM International G01 Corrosion of Metals and AMPP SC-08 Metallic Material Selection & Testing.
Matthew Sanchez, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Dr. Matthew Sanchez is a Principal Investigator at RJ Lee Group where he leads quality assessments of vermiculite, talc, carbonates, olivine, and other industrial minerals including erionite. He specializes in characterizing asbestos in raw materials and in building products.
Dr. Sanchez developed a microscopy method for identification and quantification of coal ash residues to screen for impacted areas as part of cleanup efforts following containment failure. His methodology has been accepted by the EPA.
Dr. Sanchez has also worked at mine and quarry sites to identify occurrences of asbestos. In the lab, he is well-versed in a range of analytical techniques such as polarized light microscopy (PLM), powder x-ray diffraction (XRD), x-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). Dr. Sanchez is a member of the Mineralogical Society of America and has published in peer-reviewed literature.
Michael J. Deible, Ph.D.
Consulting Scientist
Dr. Michael J. Deible , a principal investigator at RJ Lee Group, is a leader in the field of chemistry consulting with a deep focus on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). Dr. Deible's expertise spans the domains of physical chemistry, materials science, analytical methods and environmental degradation.
As PFAS Team Lead at RJ Lee Group, Dr. Deible manages the laboratory that runs both standard and non-standard testing methods for PFAS analysis. His experience detecting and quantifying PFAS in all types of samples, evaluating impact on environmental contamination, advising on approaches to remediation, and analyzing capture and destruction technologies positions him as a fully-rounded authority in the field. He oversaw the establishment of the PFAS practice at RJ Lee Group, including instrumentation analysis, purchase and calibration, achieving accreditation and sourcing first clients.
Dr. Deible serves as a member of the American Society of Testing and Methods in multiple capacities, including as technical lead on the establishment of standard methods for quantifying PFAS in consumer products and serving as Vice Chair of Subcommittee D19.06, focused on the study of organic substances in water. As a consulting expert, clients rely on his insights into the analysis of test results, supply chain investigations and the operational dynamics of facilities and production.
Beyond PFAS-specific responsibilities, Dr. Deible's contributions extend to materials identification, failure analysis, patent infringement and method development. He has published research in multiple peer-reviewed journals and served as a testifying expert in litigation.
Dr. Deible holds a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry and previously served as Assistant Professor at the US Military Academy at West Point.
Monica McGrath-Koerner
Consulting Scientist
Mrs. Monica McGrath-Koerner has been a talc & asbestos expert with RJ Lee Group since 2014. She has evaluated and analyzed a variety of materials using TEM, SEM, and PLM for mineral characterization including, but not limited to, the regulated asbestos minerals.
Monica has assisted other RJLG consulting scientists in the analysis and data preparation of these materials for several state and federal cases. Monica graduated from Juniata College with a B.S. in Geology and from the University of Pittsburgh with a M.S. in Geology, with her thesis topic: “Investigation of talc petrogenesis in southwestern Montana using petrographic and geochemical methods.”
Monica also has extensive research experience outside RJLG, including from her time at Juniata College, when she conducted fluid inclusion research investigating the mineralization history of hydrothermal quartz as it is related to hydrocarbon movement.
Combining scanning electron cathodoluminescent microscopy (SEM-CL) with fluid inclusion studies, she created montages of whole crystals, which revealed dissolution tracks in euhedral quartz. While conducting research at the University of Pittsburgh, Monica focused on petrology and geochemistry research. The study included using a clean lab to separate non-stable isotopes (Sm/Nd and Rb/Sr) for analysis by Thermal Ion Mass Spectroscopy (TIMS), and using separation techniques such as microwave digestion using HF and cation exchange columns.
At RJ Lee Group, Monica conducted research on minerals including talc and asbestos minerals, where she investigated the formations of these minerals and the geologic setting where they occur using TEM, SEM, and PLM. She has presented this research at various professional conferences. Along with these specific research studies, Monica has written and co-authored several publications in her field.
Richard J. Lee, Ph.D.
CEO & Consulting Scientist
Dr. Richard J. Lee has over 40 years’ experience specializing in forensic problem solving and technology development. He has managed laboratory operations, designed and developed novel electron microscopes, laboratory automation and information management systems, and commercialized laboratory products.
Under Dr. Lee’s direction, RJ Lee Group has grown from a small group to more than 200 staff across the country. Dr. Lee serves as a consultant to a wide range of industrial and governmental organizations. He has been an advisor to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding laboratory methods for analysis of asbestos, as well as the evaluation of contamination in NYC following the events on 9/11.
Dr. Lee has also served on American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) methods to define analytical methods. He has been qualified as an expert witness in state and federal courts. He holds six patents and has published over 200 scientific articles and publications. Dr. Lee earned his Ph.D. in Theoretical Solid State Physics from Colorado State University and his B.S. in Physics from the University of North Dakota.
Steve Schlaegle
Vice President, Business Development
Mr. Steve Schlaegle coordinates and provides technical oversight to a staff of highly trained technical specialists in materials and particle characterization. His focus includes the development and implementation of analytical methods and the application of appropriate laboratory methodologies to a wide range of projects. This encompasses consulting services to assess project needs and directing the implementation of laboratory testing services for environmental and materials applications.
Stephen M. Stacey, PE
Construction Materials Affiliated Consultant
Mr. Stephen M. Stacey is a Professional Engineer (PE) and an affiliated consultant with Durability Engineers. He has over 8 years of experience in concrete materials, concrete, forensic investigations, and structural engineering. His experience concentrates on condition assessments through visual examination, destructive and nondestructive testing (NDT) of reinforced concrete structures.
Mr. Stacey’s focus areas include: concrete materials, nondestructive testing, structural health monitoring and concrete repair design. His primary work focuses on forensic investigations, including identifying structural and construction-related deficiencies, as well as determining the cause of failures in concrete, metals and other structural materials. His nondestructive evaluation background is further complimented by his extensive understanding of deleterious reactions and volume instabilities in concrete.
Additionally, with his experience in concrete materials and laboratory testing, Mr. Stacey has developed specialized one-off testing and developed improvements for existing testing procedures. From his research, Mr. Stacey’s developed a novel testing method for the evaluation of alkali-silica reaction in project concrete mixtures has been incorporated by the Army Corps of Engineers specifications.
Mr. Stacey is registered as a professional engineer across several states and has a Bachelors and Masters of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. He is an active voting member at American Concrete Institute (ACI), 216 Code Requirements for Determining Fire Resistance of Concrete and Masonry Construction Assemblies, ASTM 09.64 Nondestructive Testing Task group and International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI) Committee 110, Guide Specifications Committee.
Steven J. Monaco, Ph.D.
Senior Materials Scientist
Dr. Steven Monaco is a Senior Consulting Scientist at RJ Lee Group. Over the past 20 years, he has led teams and projects while solving complex industrial manufacturing and materials problems in a cost effective and innovative manner. He has extensive experience in project management, process development, plant technical support, cost analysis, and new product development in metals, chemicals, and fossil energy.
His broad technical expertise includes lubrication, surface science, gas/solid interactions, materials synthesis and characterization, adsorption, catalysis and sorbents, polymers and coatings, corrosion, and water treatment. Dr. Monaco also has significant technical and managerial experience in research and development, notably in the steel sector including steel pickling, rolling, and annealing operations.
Previous projects include conducting studies of process fluids including rolling oils, picking inhibitors, corrosion inhibition oils, temper fluids, and lubricants such as greases and bearing oils in efforts to enhance quality, improve productivity, qualify products, and reduce costs in steel production facilities. His knowledge of surface chemistry and gas-metal reactions has been used to improve steel surface cleanliness, optimize cycles, and reduce gas use in annealing operations.
Dr. Monaco also developed and evaluated novel rolling, hot band scale removal, and surface modification technologies with applications to the processing and coating of Advanced High Strength Steels (AHSS).Dr. Monaco is the author of several papers, publications, and presentations, and is a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and the Association for Iron & Steel Technology.
Tarah Helsel
Manager & Forensic Scientist
Ms. Tarah Helsel is a forensic scientist and the manager of RJ Lee Group’s Forensic Science department, where she specializes in gunshot residue (GSR) analysis. She oversees and participates in the preparation, analysis, interpretation and reporting of GSR evidence using Scanning Electron Microscopy / Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) techniques.
Ms. Helsel is an experienced expert witness and has given testimony relating to gunshot residue on more than one-hundred occasions. She has testified in federal and state courts, and has experience testifying for both the prosecution and the defense. She has been qualified as a gunshot residue expert in courts in 23 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and the countries of Bermuda, Turks and Caicos, and the Cayman Islands. In 2023, she led the department to successful American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) accreditation in the areas of GSR analysis, and muzzle-to-target distance determination.
Ms. Helsel is a graduate of Waynesburg University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science with minors in biology and chemistry. She is a chair and a member of the Mid-Atlantic Association of Forensic Scientists (MAAFS), as well as a member of the American Society of Trace Evidence Examiners (ASTEE) and the Ignitable Liquids, Explosive and Gunshot Residue Subcommittee of the Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science (OSAC).
Peter Zemek, PhD
Vice President, Emerging Contaminants
Dr. Peter Zemek, Vice President, Emerging Contaminants, focuses primarily on air quality—specifically the sampling and analysis of process emissions, ambient air, stationary and mobile source emissions, and indoor environments using mobile monitoring platforms.
Over his 40-year career in environmental consulting, Dr. Zemek has led pilot testing programs, product development initiatives, Continuous Emission Monitoring (CEM) projects, source apportionment studies, and compliance and trial burn programs. He also brings deep expertise in wastewater and leachate treatment, biological and chemical treatment systems, and remediation and groundwater programs.
Dr. Zemek has conducted complex field programs in more than 34 countries, including volcanic emission measurements and chemical weapons detection at U.S. and international testing facilities. He holds two patents—one in laser spectroscopy and one for a net-negative carbon capture process for combustion sources involving CO₂ conversion and in-situ fluidized bed optimization.
A prolific researcher and educator, Dr. Zemek has authored or presented more than 75 papers and lectures worldwide. He serves as an invited guest professor and EPA consultant and has held leadership roles as chairman of ASTM, ICAC, and API committees, as well as participating in U.S. Department of Commerce ETTAC subcommittees on environmental topics.
Dr. Zemek holds a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences and Engineering from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ.
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