[Paul Copioli]

I am a mechanical engineer.

I received my Bachelor's of Science (B.S.) in Aeronautical Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy, a Master's of Science (M.S.) degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan, and a M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan.

My first job was for the U.S. Air Force doing wind tunnel testing for what is now known as the F-22 at Wright-Patterson AFB. After receiving my Master's degree, I worked for Lockheed-Martin in Sunnyvale, Ca. doing spacecraft design for the Air Force. I was transferred from Sunnyvale to Denver, Co. to work on NASA spacecraft; specifically, the Stardust Mission propulsion system design. Missing the MidWest, I came back to Michigan to work for FANUC Robotics (my current job). I have been with FANUC for 7 years and I love every minute of it!

My typical day is much like Andy's, except I do a lot of mechanical and dynamic analysis of robot motion in addition to design work. I also get to test new robot developments for dynamic stability and accuracy. Lately, I have been able to finally use my fluid dynamics knowledge acquired while attaining my Aerospace degree because our group has been doing paint applicator development. We now develop the robots and the painting systems to paint automobile interiors and exteriors.

I have known since I was about 12 that I wanted to make complicated mechanisms. I, like Andy, wasn't into the electrical side of things so mechanical engineering was for me. If I had to do it all over again, I would probably try to double major in controls and either mechanical or electrical engineering.

By the way; if you are in high school or in your first few years of College (studying engeineering), in my eyes you are not an engineer. I wish I could be more PC, but it is black and white to me.