Fire Technology Staff
Fire Technology Services
A full-time professional staff is employed by the Fire Technology Department at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI). Staff have extensive experience in:
- Physical chemistry
- Analytical chemistry
- Chemical engineering
- Biology
- Physics
- Mechanical engineering
- Civil engineering
- Structural engineering
- Fire protection engineering
- Computer science
- Fire services technology
- Toxicology
Jason P. Huczek
Senior Research Engineer
jhuczek@swri.org
(210) 522-3632
Jason Huczek’s primary responsibility is evaluation of fire protection systems and system components by way of small-, large- and full-scale testing. These systems include ceiling and in-rack sprinkler systems, smoke detection systems and fire alarm systems. Applications include protection of warehouse-style storage of commodity, protection of machinery spaces on commercial and government marine vessels, and protection of aircraft cargo spaces.
Alexandra Joyce
Research Engineer
ajoyce@swri.org
(210) 522-6423
In her role in the Engineering and Research Section of the Fire
Technology Department, Engineer Alexandra Joyce performs a broad
range of scientific and engineering investigations in the areas
of fire technology, combustion, and material explosibility using
standard fire testing techniques and procedures . Ms. Joyce is
responsible for small-scale laboratory dust and vapor
explosibility testing. She also assists with the research and
custom testing of alternative fuels, ignition hazards, energetic
materials, combustible metals, explosive atmospheres, and safety
systems.
Barry L. Badders, Jr., M.S., P.E.
Manager, Fire Testing Services
bbadders@swri.org
(210) 522-3971
Barry Badders is the group leader of the Fire Testing Services
Section where he is responsible for conducting fire protection
related research and testing that includes large- and
small-scale fire performance evaluation programs on such
materials as wall, floor, door, and window assemblies;
penetrations, railcars, and nuclear shipping containers.
Bill B. Bendele
Principal Engineering Technologist
bbendele@swri.org
(210) 522-2728
During more than 20 years of employment with SwRI, Bill Bendele
has participated in numerous large-scale standard and
nonstandard fire tests and product evaluations. He is
responsible for program development of testing automotive fuel
systems when exposed to fire, Network Equipment Building Systems
(NEBS) fire resistance programs, and development of the
department’s remote test site.
J. Marshall Sharp
Research Engineer
jsharp@swri.org
(210) 522-3563
John Sharp is an engineer in the Fire Testing Services Section.
In this position, he performs engineering and scientific
investigations requiring applications of standard fire testing
techniques and procedures. He also models fire events and
structural response to fire.
David Michael Hintz
Research Engineer
dhintz@swri.org
(210) 522-5278
As an engineer in the Fire Testing Services Section of the Fire
Technology Departmen, David Hintz's responsibilities include
promotion, design, management, and operation of large-scale fire
performance evaluation programs. David primarily deals with
International Maritime Organization (IMO) related testing, which
includes fire resistant divisions, doors, windows, fire dampers,
and cable transits for installation on ships and off-shore
platforms.
Eric Nette
Research Engineer
enette@swri.org
(210) 522-2943
Tim Koebke, M.S.
Acting Manager
tkoebke@swri.org
(210) 522-6976
Tim Koebke manages the daily operations and administration of
Listing and Labeling programs. Duties include marketing and
promotional activities, developing proposals, writing quality
control manuals, scheduling and conducting initial and follow-up
inspections of manufacturing plants, coordinating activities of
domestic and international inspectors, and assisting clients in
the approval process of their products by authorities having
jurisdiction: U.S. Coast Guard, International Code Council
Evaluation Service, etc.
Timothy Brenner
QA Engineer
tbrenner@swri.org
(210) 522-2082
As a QA engineer in the Listing, Labeling, and Follow-Up
Inspection Section of the Fire Technology Department, Timothy
Brenner conducts initial factory inspections for manufacturers
who wish to pursue a third-party quality inspection program with
SwRI. Mr. Brenner manages a number of listing and labeling
programs, including those for above ground storage tanks.
Our support staff is well versed in construction, machining, electronics, gas analysis, and instrumentation. The diversity and abundance of research programs undertaken by the Department of Fire Technology staff members put us in a unique position to provide the highest quality research to meet your needs.
Related Terminology
code compliance • engineering design • fire and explosion investigations • fire resistance • fire testing laboratory • material flammability • product development • risk and hazards • suppression • third party certification
