Research Methods

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How Do We Gain Knowledge?

We engage in research to gain knowledge–about customers, products, processes, events, etc. Unfortunately, research does not always result in knowledge. This is because improper research methods were used.

The National Association of Scholars reported in 2018 that most published research is not reproducible. NAS refers to this as, the Irreproducibility Crisis of Modern Science. This crisis has compromised entire disciplines.

Proper research methods are critical to gaining knowledge. Work with Discovery Engineering to ensure your research efforts produce knowledge.

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Quality Improvement & Control

My methods are designed to bring about measurable improvements.

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Risk Management

Risk management and analysis is part of any decision-making process.

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Evidence-Based Solutions Simplified

Mark McFarland, P.E. maintains high standards in forensic electrical engineering. Consultation and litigation support services include:

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Telecommunications
  • Wireless
  • Electronics
  • Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
  • Internet & Technology
  • Root Cause Failure Analysis
  • Cellular Evidence Mapping and Analysis

If you have litigation involving a complex scientific, engineering, or technological matter…

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I Do the Proper Research

Especially in the era of “Big Data,” scientifically proven and accepted research methods are essential to gaining knowledge. I bring scholarship and practical experience to the table. This results in actionable and defensible results for you.

Testimonials

Work with Discovery Engineering to Gain Clarity

Faulty research methods distort strategy, policy, and expenditures.

The impact of the reproducibility crisis is enormous. Just the financial consequences are staggering. A 2015 study estimated that researchers spent billions of dollars annually in the United States alone on irreproducible preclinical research into new drug treatments.

Don’t let your good money follow bad. Work with me to gain clarity.

Forensic Engineering & Applied Research Expertise

Wireless and Telecommunications Engineering

Over 25 years of experience in research, design, analysis, & measurement of cellular, GPS, 3G–5G, LTE, public safety comm systems, satellite, Internet, wireless, RF, Wi-Fi, radar, networks, data communications, communications protocols and standards, instrumentation, and control systems.

GPS and Cellular Evidence Analysis

Understanding GPS, cell phone, & base station evidence is critical. I present data and uncertainties in easy to understand maps, animations, timelines, and tables. These can show patterns of communications, whereabouts, and activity. I map & analyze records from all manufacturers and carriers.

Electrical and Electronics Engineering

I investigate electrical and electronic components, equipment, systems, & devices to support litigation related to design, use, defects, malfunctions, modifications, and equipment breakdown for civil and criminal matters.

Quality Sciences and Applied Research

Understanding variability is crucial to improving and controlling any process. I bring scholarship & practical experience in applied research & quality sciences to help clients understand variability and improve outcomes.

Studies show that most published scientific research cannot be reproduced [NAS, 2018]. The scientific, financial, and legal consequences of irreproducible research, from arbitrary research methods to improper analyses, are enormous. I ensure that solid and defensible methods inform your decisions.

Ensure Defensible Methods Are Informing Your Decisions

Judicial decisions may be based on testimony from an expert whose opinion may (unknowingly) be based upon irreproduciable research. The research methods courts accept to gain knowledge must be reliable and follow established and defensible procedures.

The financial and legal consequences of improper scientific research methods are enormous.

Mr. McFarland’s expertise in engineering and applied research is recognized by legal, insurance, industry, and government clients alike which make him an ideal electrical engineer expert witness.

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In The Media

CBS12 News

CBS12 News

Police report released in Jupiter Harbourside Place electrocution

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Founder and CEO of Discovery Engineering, Mark McFarland, P.E., D.F.E., is a licensed Professional Electrical Engineer, a Board Certified Forensic Engineer, and a statistician. His expertise in engineering and applied research is recognized by legal, insurance, industry, and government clients.

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FAQs

Do you accept cases nationwide?

Yes, my practice is nationwide.

What kind of cases do you consult on?

My practice covers various cases involving electrical, electronic, or telecommunications phenomena.

I work in both civil and criminal cases for the plaintiff or defense.

I have worked with plaintiff and defense lawyers on civil cases in several fields, including wrongful death, personal injury, product liability, medical malpractice, class action, insurance claims, auto accidents, contract disputes, and more.

Some criminal cases I’ve worked on have involved securities fraud, homicide, sex trafficking, and home invasion. The criminal cases usually center around cellular, mobile phone, GPS, and other electronic evidence.

What kind of cases do you consult on?

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Do you work for the plaintiff, or do you work for the defense?

I work for both plaintiff and defense lawyers on civil and criminal cases.

Are you licensed to practice engineering?

Yes, I am a licensed and Board certified engineer. My Board certification comes from the National Academy of Forensic Engineers. Additionally, I am an NCEES “Record Holder, ” meaning I can typically get licensed in any state within 30 days.

What is your availability?

I am accepting new cases and am flexible and available on my clients’ schedules. I take pride in meeting all my clients’ deadlines.

What is your billing rate?

My rates are very reasonable. I have two set rates for testimony time, such as in deposition or trial. The second, a lower rate, is for all other time (research, report writing, etc.) I collect an initial retainer and invoice against that.

What is your educational background?

I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to gain excellent academic credentials.

I have a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. My first Master’s degree is in Telecommunications Engineering, and my second Master’s degree is in Engineering Management- both from the University of Colorado at Boulder. I also completed about 2/3 of an MSEE degree in RF engineering from Drexel University in Philadelphia before moving to Colorado.

Lastly, I procured the highest credential available in the quality sciences: the Six Sigma Master Black Belt. This required eight graduate courses (24 credit hours) in applied statistics and research at the University of Colorado.

How many years of experience do you have?

I have over 25 years of experience as an engineer and ten years of experience in quality sciences and applied research.

Do you have trial experience?

Yes – I have testified on behalf of the plaintiff and defense at criminal and civil trials.