Student Spotlight - Frances Schuppenhauer

Frances Schuppenhauer isn't just studying engineering. She's learning the real-world application of those concepts while also earning a precision machining certificate at EvCC's Advanced Manufacturing Training & Education Center (AMTEC). The combination is preparing her to someday work in prototyping - designing and creating products.

"I couldn't even count the number of times I've heard a student ask: 'But what will we ever use this math for? What is the application for this formula?'" she said. "Now, I have a much greater understanding of exactly how they will be used, and why they are important."

In 2018, Frances spoke with EvCC about her experiences as a student and her career plans. In June 2019, Frances graduated with her associate in technical arts degree in precision machining and started a new job as a level 3 machinist at AMT Senior Aerospace in Arlington, where she makes parts for a variety of large aircraft. She is continuing to earn the required classes for her pre-engineering degree, while working full-time.

Why did you choose EvCC? 

EvCC is a good school with such a wide variety of programs and classes available. In particular, what drew me to EvCC was its transfer degrees. For instance, the engineering transfer degree that I am working on will give me my AA, and cover the first two years of a four-year degree at university. That allows me to save a lot of money on classes, and enjoy the smaller class sizes that you'll find at community college.

What are you studying at EvCC?

I am a little unusual in that I am studying more than one field. I am working on my mechanical engineering transfer degree, with an eye towards the electrical engineering courses (since I plan to have that as my minor in university), but I am also studying precision machining.

Update, September 2019: In June I graduated with a Associate in Technical Arts Degree (ATA) in "Advanced Manufacturing Tech - Precision Machining." From this degree program, I simultaneously earned certificates from EvCC that will help me in both machining, and later engineering. I earned a certificate in robotics foundations, a certificate in aerospace composites foundations, a certificate in principles of precision machining, an OSHA 30 certificate, and four NIMS certificates. Last quarter was my fifth quarter in a row that I have gotten straight A's / a 4.0. Here's hoping that this fall will be the sixth!

Why did you decide to earn a precision machining certificate in addition to studying engineering? What have you learned at AMTEC that helped you with your engineering classes and vice versa? 

College is expensive, and so requires most students to work in order to afford it. I am no exception. For most of my college career I have worked in customer service. However, when I heard that EvCC had a precision machining program I was fascinated. The machines and their ability are incredible to begin with, but the program also helps students to find jobs in that field. Manufacturing and engineering go hand in hand, one passing work onto the other in order to make truly amazing things take form. To be able to learn, and work, in a field that will one day be so tied to my future career as an engineer I think is really important, and beneficial. Too many engineers find their way into the field without an in depth knowledge of how their designs will become reality, and that creates problems for the manufacturers.

I also really hope to one day work in prototyping, where I hope I might be able to both design a thing and create it. For work like that it is imperative to know both sides of that world. Besides all of that, there is a real sense of satisfaction in knowing that everything I am doing now, both engineering and precision machining, is working towards a coherent goal, rather than work only being a paycheck.

In terms of how the precision machining has helped my engineering classes and vice versa, precision machining has really helped to ground what I am learning in engineering. Machining has shown me some of the real world applications of what might otherwise come across as rather amorphous formulae for vague applications. I couldn't even count the number of times I've heard a student ask: "But what will we ever use this math for? What is the application for this formula?" Now, I have a much greater understanding of exactly how they will be used, and why they are important.

Having a background in engineering has given me a knowledge of CAD and the math behind a lot of what we are doing in machining. This has given me a firmer grasp on how to perfect programs to give the desired effect on parts.

How did the EvCC Foundation funding for your equipment help you?

Having tools purchased for me reduced my financial stress those first few weeks of class, a time when I was also job hunting. This allowed me to dive into precision machining right off the bat, without having to use a credit card or wait for a first paycheck. It was nice not to have to worry about an extra few hundred dollars on my credit card. While it was very useful to me, I am more thankful for the much larger impacts that it had on some of my fellow students, who may not have been able to acquire their own tools without the foundation and the scholarships they help students find. Classes are expensive, and that can be a huge barrier to some individuals getting the education they need in order to pursue their potential to the utmost.

Who's helped you succeed at EvCC? (faculty member, staff). What did that person do to help you?

Kevin Soderlund and Joe Graber. They have each given me wonderful advice, counseling, and advising, the former in precision machining, and the latter in engineering. They are both wonderful teachers - who I highly recommend if you have a chance to take their classes - and advisers. They have helped me to see paths toward my goals, plan out classes, and more generally to understand the work environment that I am pursuing with my education.

What advice do you have for new EvCC students?

Talk to your advisers. There are many at EvCC, in every department, and they are a wealth of knowledge. Find one that you get along with well, maybe one you have taken a class from before, and talk with them about what you would like to do and where you would like to go. Don't be afraid to push the boundaries of what is possible, or shoot for a field that inspires you just because you can't see a way there or it isn't expected of you. The world is a huge place, and there are SO many things to do in it. Everyone starts at the beginning, it is where you end up that is up to you. Shoot for the stars, and know that your advisers are there to help you find your way there.

What do you plan to do after graduating from EvCC?(Job, transfer, etc.)

When I graduate from EvCC, I hope to attend WSU on their Everett campus. That would allow me to stay near to my family and home, while earning my bachelor's degree.

Describe the best experience you had at EvCC.

My first year at EvCC, I found my way to the student union building. Upstairs above the food court is a lot of space for students to hang out and study. There were a few other students up there playing pranks on each other while I was doing my homework. One of them pulled me in, making me an accomplice to the prank. After that we would all gather there, studying, eating, waiting for classes, and generally having a blast with each other. We dressed up at Halloween, and I remember one year the school started playing a popular song on the sound system and it seemed like the entire building started dancing and jumping like crazy. I have so many fond memories of spending time there with my friends. Now we have all gone separate ways with our education and careers, but we have stayed close, and I hope those friendships will last a lifetime.

Anything else you want to add?

Life is good, and a beautiful thing. Make the most of it and don't be afraid to try the impossible. You might just make it.