Warren F. Harris

BS, PI

Senior Managing Materials Scientist

Biography

Warren F. Harris is a Senior Forensic Chemist with a background in chemistry, geology, and mechanics. Warren is a valued member of the Forensic Chemistry team at YA Group.

He specializes in the laboratory characterization and identification of unknown materials and their sources, including the chemical analysis of fire debris. Over his 35-year career as a forensic chemist, he has conducted laboratory investigations designed to determine the causes of failures involving manufacturing processes, consumer products, construction materials, and building envelope systems.

Warren’s forensic work has included developing and executing investigative sampling plans, conducting photographic documentation, and performing targeted supplemental research. His evidence examinations have involved microscopic imaging and material characterization techniques, often paired with comparative and simulation testing to help determine the root causes of failures. The materials he has analyzed span plastics, adhesives, paints, coatings, sealants, concrete, plasters, glass, metals and corrosion products, wood, textiles, fluids, oils, gases, bitumen, and a wide range of other substances.

Warren’s approach to forensic investigations integrates his extensive experience in evidence collection, literature research, and specialized laboratory methodologies to determine material failure mechanisms. He has a working knowledge of a broad range of scientific instrumentation and analytical techniques, including wet chemistry, microscopy, and spectroscopy. Warren provides testing, consulting, and expert witness testimony.

Credentials

  • BS
  • PI

Representative Consulting Assignments

  • Provided analyses and testimony in several patent Infringement cases involving formulations of fire extinguishing media, spray adhesives, and the design of automotive floor mats.
  • Provided investigative analyses of multiple on failures of vinyl resilient flooring systems in hospitals, sport arenas and office complexes resulting in successful settlements against both, manufacturers and installers.
  • Conducted countless plumbing system material failures on water supply, sewer, and fire sprinkler systems comprised copper, brass, PEX, ABS, PVC and CPVC.
  • Conducted laboratory analyses and characterization of firework devices associated with several lawsuits regarding personal injury accidents and wildland fires.
  • Conducted multiple investigations with favorable settlements associated the performance inconsistencies of insulated glass units (IGUs). Failures include spontaneous fracturing attributed to glass contaminants, clouding due to plasticizer bleed from sealants, and damages from chemical and welding activities.
  • Performed and supported litigation in several chemical and petrography investigations associated with the performance of concretes, fiber-reinforced precast concretes, plasters and ceramic tile systems.
  • Provided continued support and legal testimony for our fire investigators through the analyses of fire debris for accelerants and oils associated with spontaneous combustion.

Professional Experience

  • 2026 - Current | Senior Managing Materials Scientist | YA Group
  • 2005 - 2026 | Senior Forensic Chemist | CASE Forensics (a Jensen Hughes Company)
  • 1998 - 2005 | Senior Forensic Chemist | Professional Service Industries (PSI)
  • 1991 - 1998 | Environmental and Industrial Chemist | Pacific Testing Laboratories
  • 1981 - 1983 | Manager Stereo Warehouse | AAFES (Bremerhaven Germany)
  • 1978 - 1981 | Apprentice Mechanic | United States Army Transportation Motor Pool #5 (Schinnen, Netherlands)

Area of Practice

  • Construction Defect Reviews 
  • Damage Assessment
  • Non-Destructive Testing

Publications and Presentations

  • “Forensic Chemistry & Analysis of Automotive Systems”, IASIU-Oregon Chapter 17th Annual Insurance Fraud Conference & Expo, Portland, OR, October 2012
  • “Wood Rot Fungi-Investigations and Implications Seminar”, Forensic Chemistry & Treated Lumber, CASE Forensics, Seattle, WA, June 2007.
  • “Seattle Crash ‘N Burn Day”, Lectures, Crash Tests, Tire Skid Analysis, Air Bag Deployment, Vehicle Fire / Arson, Theft Investigation, and Laboratory and Technological Demonstrations, CASE Forensics in conjunction with the IAA, Farmers Insurance, PSSI & the Fire Training Academy, Washington State Fire Training Academy, North Bend, WA, July 2009.
  • “Crash ‘N Burn Day”, Lectures, Crash Tests, Tire Skid Analysis, Air Bag Deployment, Vehicle Fire / Arson, Theft Investigation, and Laboratory and Technological Demonstrations, CASE Forensics in conjunction with the IASIU-Oregon Chapter, Salem OR, June 2009.
  • “Crash ‘N Burn Day.” “Crash & Burn Day.” Lectures, Crash Tests, Air Bag Deployment, Vehicle Fire, Crash Recorder Data, Vehicle Theft Investigations, and Laboratory Demonstrations, CASE Forensics, Salem, OR, 2006

Education

  • Eastern New Mexico University - Bachelor of Science - Geology and Chemistry
  • University of Maryland - Associate of Arts - Geology

Training Courses

  • Applied Molecular Spectroscopy - Arizona State University
  • Polymers & Coatings - California Polytechnic State University

Licenses

  • Washington State License 2782 - Washington - Unarmed Private Investigator