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Academic Credentials
  • Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, 2023
  • B.S., Energy Systems Engineering, University of Wyoming, 2014
  • M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Wyoming, 2018
Licenses & Certifications
  • Professional Engineer, Colorado, #PE.0064210
  • Professional Engineer Mechanical, California, #M42172
  • 40-Hour Hazardous Waste Operation and Emergency Response Certification (HAZWOPER) (CA)
  • FI-210, Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination
  • Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI)
  • Fire Investigation 1A (Cause and Origin), California Office of State Fire Marshal (CA)
Professional Affiliations
  • American Chemical Society (member)
  • American Society of Mechanical Engineers (member)
  • American Association for the Advancement of Science (member)
  • National Fire Protection Association (member)
  • International Association of Wildland Fire (member)
  • National Association of Fire Investigators (member)

Dr. Rundel has expertise in thermodynamics, combustion, reacting flows, heat transfer, and energy systems. He performs origin and cause investigations of fires and explosions, with particular experience involving wildland fires, and applies his expertise to a wide range of complex problems involving fires, explosions, and thermal failures.

Dr. Rundel's project experience includes investigations and analyses involving fires and explosions; compressed gas cylinders; fireworks and pyrotechnic devices; regulatory and operational considerations for natural gas systems; and compliance and clearance considerations related to munitions and explosives. He has conducted origin and cause investigations of wildland and structure fires and has evaluated thermal failures and fire hazards involving consumer products and equipment. His work has also involved matters related to utility infrastructure and gas distribution systems, such as master meter systems, and included testing and analysis with evaluation in the context of applicable codes, standards, and industry practices.

Prior to joining Ä¢¹½tv, Dr. Rundel worked in the utility industry, with experience in natural gas distribution, operations and maintenance of coal-fired and natural-gas combined-cycle power plants, and energy management and efficiency services for large electric customers, including rate review, load analysis, and basic energy audits. He maintains an ongoing interest in energy systems and power generation. His graduate research focused on combustion and pyrolysis processes associated with soot and carbonaceous particle formation. This work combined laboratory experimentation, including flow-tube pyrolysis and photoionization mass spectrometry to characterize combustion-generated aerosols, with computational analysis of chemical reaction pathways and kinetics.