ABOUT
Scout Forensics has a passion for the truth and specializes in expert engineering assessments for existing buildings, structures, and civil infrastructure to determine the cause and extent of damage, as well as providing recommendations for repair or remediation to aide others in cost estimating. Our engineers exhibit values of integrity, honesty, and ethics -- investigating every assignment in an unbiased and fair manner.
Scout is dedicated to consistently producing a high-quality work product that directly and unambiguously addresses our clients' concerns. We are also keenly aware of our client's frequent need for timely delivery of our findings. Accordingly, we utilize the latest technology for data collection and site documentation -- resulting in less time required on site, efficient workflow, and quick reporting.
EXPERIENCE
Scout Engineers have experience involving engineering research, structural design, civil infrastructure design, and forensic investigations. The latter includes the assessment of construction deficiencies and damage across structures subjected to storm-induced forces, vehicle impacts, allisions, fires, explosions, moisture infiltration, and excessive gravity loading, as well as the development of construction documents for the erection of new structures and those requiring repair. Our engineers have been involved in hundreds of forensic engineering investigations across the United States in addition to overseas projects. Scout Engineers have also served as a designated experts in many litigated matters.
THE TEAM
Kyle Zapalac, ME, PE
Managing Member | Principal Engineer
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Kyle Zapalac founded Scout Forensics, has nearly 15 years of experience, and passionately practices forensic engineering.
Kyle earned a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree, and a Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering degree, from Texas A&M University in College Station, and is a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in multiple states.
Outside of the office, Kyle enjoys the outdoors and spending time with his wife and four children.
Jason Johnston is a structural engineer with more than 20 years of combined experience in the structural design and forensic engineering fields.
Jason earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Louisiana Tech University in 2004, earned a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) in 2024, and is a licensed Professional Engineer and/or licensed Structural Engineer (SE) across the majority of the United States.
When not assisting clients, Jason spends his free time with his wonderful wife and two children - preferably outdoors hiking, cycling, and backpacking.
Justin Hodges, MS, PE, SE
Managing Member | Principal Engineer
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Justin Hodges is a structural engineer with more than 15 years of experience and has assisted numerous clients in resolving large and complex problems.
Justin earned Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Civil Engineering from The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), and is a licensed Professional Engineer and/or licensed Structural Engineer (SE) in multiple states.
Justin is a dedicated husband and proud father who loves spending time with his wife and two children.
Matthew Cowen, PE
Managing Member | Principal Engineer
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Matt is a structural Engineer with over 15 years of construction and engineering experience including structural design and forensics.
Matt earned a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree from Texas A&M University in College Station, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in multiple states.
Away from work, Matt enjoys hunting, fishing, and grilling with his wife and two children.
Drew Marsteller, PE
Managing Member | Principal Engineer
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Eric Homburg, ME, PE, SE
Engineer
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Drew Marsteller has more than a decade of engineering experience -- including the completion of numerous forensic investigations.
Drew earned a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree from Texas A&M University in College Station, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Texas and Louisiana.
When not working, Drew enjoys playing sports with his daughter and spending time with his amazing wife.
Eric Homburg has more than eight years of engineering experience - including completing structural design and analysis of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
Eric earned a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree, and a Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering degree, from Texas A&M University in College Station, and is a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and/or licensed Structural Engineer (SE) in multiple states.
During his downtime, Eric enjoys cycling with his wife and son.