Russell Sparks

The Applied Technology Center (ATC) on the campus of Wilkes Community College (WCC) is a state-of-the-art facility that trains students in the latest industrial and engineering technologies and provides support for high-tech businesses and advanced technology companies in northwestern North Carolina. Through his collaboration with Mr. Duvall and instructors at WCC, Mr. Sparks will become familiar with machining technology, including CNC and CAD/CAM technology which is used extensively to manufacture precision machined parts. He will have the opportunity to learn about the materials, construction methods and strength/performance measures of composite materials and will spend time at Composite Fabrics of America, MX Aircraft and the GE Aviation manufacturing facility to observe first-hand how these tools are used in the process of aircraft design and production.