meet the team

ANDREW THORESEN

Owner, BSEE, PE

With an extensive background spanning over two decades in forensic engineering, Mr. Thoresen has held the pivotal role of lead engineer in more than 3400 cases involving fires and electrical injuries. His wealth of expertise extends to providing testimony in numerous criminal and civil trials. Notably, Mr. Thoresen has played a crucial role as the lead engineering expert in some of the most high-profile fire cases in the United States, including the Bonhomme Richard Fire, Ghostship Fire, and various wildland fires.

Mr. Thoresen’s testimony and expertise are highly sought after, thanks to his exceptional communication skills, unparalleled documentation proficiency, extensive experience, and the ability to simplify complex failure modes. His innate knack for distilling high-level technical information into a comprehensible format makes him a valuable asset in the legal arena. Beyond his contributions to forensic engineering, Mr. Thoresen is a frequent presenter on diverse topics such as forensic electrical engineering, entrepreneurship, and photography. His professional role as a photographer offers clients a distinctive skill set, enhancing the comprehensive documentation in his engineering analyses.

In his personal life, Mr. Thoresen wears multiple hats—a devoted father of four, a husband, a skilled coffee roaster, and an enthusiastic student of Jiu-Jitsu. These diverse aspects of his life contribute to the rich tapestry of Mr. Thoresen’s character, highlighting his passion and commitment both in and beyond the field of forensic engineering.

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.