Academic Credentials
  • Ph.D., Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 1997
  • M.S.E., Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 1993
  • B.S., Metallurgical Engineering, Penn State University, 1991
Licenses & Certifications
  • Professional Engineer Metallurgical, California, #1925
Academic Appointments
  • University of Michigan, Materials Science and Engineering Department, Chairman, External Advisory Board
  • Saint Louis University, Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business, Center for Supply Chain Excellence , Invited Lecturer
Professional Honors
  • Engineering Alumni Society Merit Award in Materials Science and Engineering (2012), College of Engineering, University of Michigan
  • Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society
  • Alpha Sigma Mu Society
  • University Scholars Program, Pennsylvania State University
  • Benton Fellowship, University of Michigan
  • E.F. Schulze Metallurgy Scholarship, Pennsylvania State University
  • Miller Scholarship, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, Pennsylvania State University
  • Harmon Award in Metallurgy, Pennsylvania State University
Professional Affiliations
  • National Association of Corrosion Engineers (member)
  • ASM-TMS (Joint member)
  • ANSI-NSP (Nanotechnology Standards Panel)
  • International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization (ICPHSO) Strategic Planning Group (member)

Dr. Hertzberg has conducted Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) product recall investigations for Fortune 500 and privately held companies in North America as well as multinational companies headquartered in Europe and Asia. He has presented his findings to both the CPSC and the United States Department of Justice (DOJ).

Dr. Hertzberg works with companies to address the technical aspects of product recalls. His broader consumer product work includes targeted testing and analysis of new products before they are introduced into the marketplace, management of product and process changes during the course of production, use of risk methodologies, substantiation of product performance claims, failure analysis of field-returned products, consumer product recall related investigations, evaluation of proposed correction action plans (CAP) as part of the consumer product recall process, product safety compliance programs, and product liability.

Specifically, Dr. Hertzberg has led product recall related investigations for a wide range of products including: children and infant toys, child care products, strollers, sporting equipment, videogame accessories, gas and water valves, ladders, small and major kitchen appliances (white goods), indoor and outdoor furniture and seating products, air purification units, water coolers, fans, lighting fixtures and handheld lighters, battery operated and plug-in consumer electronics, charging devices, air compressors, humidity control products, laminating products, footwear, holiday lighting and decorative products, promotional products, candles and scented products, automobile accessories, food contamination (associated with foreign materials), food and product dispensers, lavatory products, and medical diagnostic equipment. 

Dr. Hertzberg performs failure analysis investigations and addresses issues related to the mechanical behavior and degradation of materials including metal, polymer, and welded components. He has expertise in the areas of materials characterization, fatigue, fracture, corrosion, stress corrosion cracking (SCC), hydrogen embrittlement, and creep. 

He also has a strong background in mobile computing with extensive experience with handheld/wireless device technologies and substantiation of claims, having served as the Director of Competitive Analysis and Strategy for Palm, Inc.