2008–2009 and 2009-2010 Recipient
Christine Donaldson
California State University, Dominguez Hills

Christine Donaldson is a student at the California State University Dominguez Hills enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Quality Assurance program.

Upon completion of her BSQA degree in 2009, Donaldson plans to pursue a Masters Degree in Quality Assurance. She hopes to be able to teach, in addition to continuing to work in the quality field.

In addition to being a student, Donaldson is an FAA-Certified Repairman at a repair station that performs a specialized epoxy surface restoration to aircraft components. Her position at this station has changed over the years from Customer Service Manager to Quality Control Receiving Inspector, to her current position as Quality Assurance Manager, with the added responsibility of Repair Development. The transition from Customer Service to Quality Control Inspection was quite a challenge for her. “I sat at my inspection desk loaded with measuring tools I didn’t know how to use, a room full of aircraft components, and drawings and CMM printouts I didn’t know how to read. Between extensive hands-on training at work and help from my instructor at Palomar College, I survived. Repair Development is even more challenging. I am now writing repair instructions, using manufacturers’ blueprints or reverse-engineered CMM data…

“In the aviation industry, lives depend on the proper functioning of aircraft parts. If a component is not dimensionally correct, it won’t function properly. Measurement is a key ingredient in this equation. As my knowledge and responsibilities continue to grow, I become increasingly aware of the need for correct application of metrology and quality assurance concepts, not only in the aviation industry, but in others, as well.” She is also working on a project to improve the station’s calibration system.