Success comes in many forms. While some achievements may appear to happen overnight, most accomplishments are years in the making, take hard work and determination—and usually require a team effort.
This issue of Manufacturing Engineering delves into a variety of success stories. Some are on a personal level, while others involve a department, company, industry or, in one case, an entire nation of people.
With a history that dates back several millennium, the Navajo are one of the earliest settlers in the United States. The last few hundred years haven’t been easy. But the “Diné Bizaad” have persevered through unimaginable hardships and remain the largest recognized Native American tribe in the United States. While staying true to their heritage, Navajo Nation is also looking for new ways to prosper and overcome chronic unemployment.
To this end, Navajo Technical University in New Mexico has become a leading training and research center for additive manufacturing (AM), where students work with national laboratories, the Department of Defense and corporate innovators such as Intel. Advanced manufacturing has become a new rallying cry and a means to broaden opportunities in science and technology, while maintaining Navajo culture and tradition.
Kara Branch, meanwhile, has forged her own career path. As a young Black girl, she had the aptitude and determination to succeed, but often lacked resources and role models. With the help of a few key teachers and her own grit, Branch became the first person in her family to graduate from college—and did so at the top of her class with an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering as well as an MBA.
Her success in the business world comes as no surprise. In addition to tackling various engineering challenges, she served as a project manager on a NASA contract and as a training manager. But it’s what she’s done in the last few years that sets her apart. In 2019, Branch founded Black Girls Do Engineer, a nonprofit that provides young women with mentorship and tools to help them succeed. The program has already impacted 3,000 girls and college students nationally. By 2050, Branch envisions this growing to 2 million worldwide.
The second installment of our Manufacturing Spotlight series profiles Humtown Products. During the company’s more than 60-year history, it has survived, adapted and grown to new heights. The success is attributed to company leadership’s commitment to its workforce and training the next generation, as well as pioneering 3D sand-printing processes. Humtown now is said to be the largest manufacturer of 3D-printed sand cores.
AM is a theme throughout the issue, with an industry outlook by Wohlers Associates and a feature on design for manufacturability. These are complemented by stories on advances in cutting tool automation and presetting/tool balancing. Enjoy the stories, insights and inspiration!
Connect With Us
