meet the team

ANDREW THORESEN

Owner, BSEE, PE

With more than two decades of experience in forensic engineering, Mr. Thoresen has served as the lead engineer in approximately 4,000 investigations involving fires and electrical injuries. He has provided expert testimony in numerous civil and criminal matters and has served as a lead engineering expert in several high-profile fire investigations, including the USS Bonhomme Richard fire, the Ghost Ship fire, and multiple significant wildland fires throughout the western United States.

Mr. Thoresen is frequently retained for his ability to investigate, document, and clearly communicate complex technical issues. His extensive field and laboratory experience, combined with a highly developed approach to photographic and technical documentation, allows him to identify and explain complex electrical failure modes in a manner that is understandable to attorneys, judges, and juries. He is particularly skilled at translating highly technical engineering concepts into clear, defensible conclusions without sacrificing technical accuracy.

Beyond his casework, Mr. Thoresen is a frequent presenter on topics including forensic electrical engineering, entrepreneurship, and photography. His experience as a professional photographer provides an additional dimension to his forensic work, allowing him to integrate sophisticated photographic techniques with engineering analysis to produce exceptionally detailed documentation of fire scenes, evidence, and laboratory examinations.

Outside of his professional practice, Mr. Thoresen is a husband and father of four. His interests include photography, coffee roasting, strength training, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Curriculum Vitae

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Derek Young

BSEE, PE

In 2018, Mr. Young joined Oracle Forensics. With over a decade of experience, Mr. Young has investigated a multitude of cases involving electrical fires and accidents. Throughout this period, he has meticulously examined and documented over 1000 cases, requiring advanced analysis both in laboratory settings and directly at fire scenes. Armed with a degree in electrical engineering from Arizona State University, Mr. Young holds licenses in multiple states, including Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah. Operating primarily from the Arizona office, he serves as the lead engineer, boasting extensive expertise in microscopy, radiography, and proprietary documentation techniques.

Beyond his significant professional accomplishments, Mr. Young leads a vibrant life as a devoted Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor. Under the guidance of Augusto ‘Tanquinho’ Mendes, he proudly holds the esteemed rank of brown belt. Endearingly known as ‘The Iron Butterfly’ among friends, Mr. Young has crafted an impressive narrative within the competitive realm of Jiu-Jitsu. Balancing the demands of a full-time professional career, he has confronted formidable opponents such as Tainan Dalpra, Ed Ruth, and Jacob Couch, accumulating a rich competitive history. This dual commitment to forensic investigations and the demanding world of Jiu-Jitsu showcases Mr. Young’s balanced and passionately driven approach to life.

Curriculum Vitae

Zachary Newland

Forensic Technician

Since 2020, Zachary has served as the lead technician at the California branch of operations for Oracle Forensics. In this capacity, he plays a pivotal role in outstanding scene documentation, evidence collection, and forensic examinations both in the field and the laboratory. His expertise spans over 500 fire cases, ranging from high-profile incidents like the Bonhomme Richard Fire to various others involving fatalities and wildland scenarios.

Beyond his professional role, Mr. Newland is a professional photographer in his personal life. This aspect of his skill set greatly contributes to his unique ability to document the precarious characteristics of fire scenes with unparalleled detail. Furthermore, Mr. Newland is a longtime musician, and regularly ventures into the world of competitive arm wrestling.

Daniel Alvarez

Forensic Technician

In 2020, Mr. Daniel Alvarez joined Oracle Forensics, bringing a unique skill set that enriches our team. As a licensed drone pilot and imaging expert since 2017, his expertise in aerial photography enhances our forensic capabilities.

Proficient in CAD, microscopy, and radiography, Mr. Alvarez is an ideal forensic technician, regularly contributing to precise documentation and findings presentation. His commitment to technological advancements aligns with Oracle Forensics’ dedication to excellence.

Outside work, he enjoys quality time with his wife and daughter, indulges in aerial photography, and embarked on a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2023, showcasing his dedication to personal growth.

Travis Richardson

Forensic Technician

Travis Richardson, joining Oracle Forensics in June 2022, is a tech enthusiast with a diverse background. Formerly at the helm of an Audio Visual Warehouse, he blends entrepreneurial spirit with years of experience in the latest technology. Travis’s skills extend beyond the digital realm, encompassing vehicles, video production, and editing. A lifelong tinkerer and vehicle restoration aficionado, he brings hands-on creativity to his pursuits.

Outside the tech world, Travis is a proud father of two, a devoted husband, and a skilled practitioner of Jiu-Jitsu, showcasing a well-rounded and dynamic approach to both his professional and personal life.