Norman Dunn maker of machines . . .
Article regarding the work of Norman Dunn in the Physics Department. This and other articles may be found in the University Archives.Citation for this article is: "Norman Dunn maker of machines . . . " Pieces of Eight, February 1, 1983.
Hanging above the black slate chemical disposal sink in the Physics machine shop is a blackboard message: It's Hard to Soar Like an Eagle When You're Surrounded by Turkeys. There's no mistaking Shop Supervisor Norman Dunn's neat draftsman's chalkpoint. He laughs at the humor of this sentiment (copied from Rolling Stone magazine), but is quick to deny that it's relevant to his own workplace.
"The people I work with are just fantastc," he says. "We have a really great rapport." Dunn's associates include Physics faculty researchers and his assistant, Carl Hartsfield, who's not just a "compatible" co-worker but a close friend also. Versatile Skill
Dunn brings versatile skills to a multi-faceted enterprise. In general, he fabricates laboratory items according to specific designs and specific needs. He's especially proud of the 600-gallon enclosed water tank he constructed for a project involving sailboat hull design.
Through close observation of the curves of water flow around variously-shaped hull models (also built in Dunn's shop), all types of water craft can be designed for the most efficient performance.
He's also made an extension to ECU's tandem Van de Graeff particle accelerator, a room-size laboratory device which fires particles into the electron structure of atoms. Dunn's extension comprises the accelerator's test section, and he has made several vacuum body chambers to be attached to the test section as needed.
About 30 percent of the machine shop's projects are made of non-ferrous metals (copper, brass, aluminum, stainless steel), another 30 percent require work with plastics, and a similar portion call for woodworking -- several finely-crafted display cabinets have been produced in Dunn's shop. The remaining 10 percent of the shop's products are fashioned from miscellaneous materials -- fiberglass, rubber, glass and even styrofoam.
Most shop products are intended for applied research in physics; however, when time permits, Dunn works for laboratories in Biology and Medicine also. He's just finished a free-standing plexiglass shield for the Radiation Safety Office which will protect staff members' bodies as they unpack radioactive materials.Need Space
If he could change anything about his working conditions, Dunn would wish for more space. His operation is now in rather crowded quarters on the first floor of the Science Complex physics wing. More room allotted to the shop would enable to the welding apparatus to be moved out of the corner of the carpentry area it now occupies. The large machine room is already filled to capacity with equipment for metalwork: two milling machines, a boring machine, power and hand-operated lathes, a six-foot variable speed drill press, a sander, a metal-cutting bandsaw, a hole punch machine, a spot welder, a cutter and a sheet metal brake.
"We can surely use more space," Dunn explains. "Fortunately, we are scheduled to get more room as the physics and biology departments move into the areas once used by the medical school." Stays in N.C.
A friendly, personable young man, quick in mind and movement, Norman Dunn has led an interesting life. He was born in Australia, one of twin boys, but spent practically all his boyhood in havelock while his Marine father was attached to Cherry Point. Dunn and his twin brother received identical draft notices in 1965, ordering them to report for military duty on December 24. To avoid leaving on Christmas Eve, both brothers sidestepped the Army by joining the Air Force, giving up the Civil Service jobs they'd recently begun at Cherry Point.
Less than two months later, however, both were discharged on medical grounds because of a minor blood circulation disorder which inhibits endurance in cold climates.
Since the twins had lost their jobs, the government placed them at the Civil Service Apprentice School in four-year training programs. Norman's twin brother became a sheet metal mechanic and has since migrated to Nevada where most of the family now lives, while Norman stayed here.Loves His Job
He enrolled at ECU in 1970, concentrating in physics and technology for the next three years. Now, although he lacks just 16 hours to graduate, he's reluctant to interrupt his busy work and home life (he's the widowed father of five-year-old Alana) to return to the classroom.
Personal mementoes around the shop and in Dunn's tiny office cubicle reveal his varied interests and pastimes. Several cherished pictures of his daughter occupy space on his desk, and the machine shop bulletin board displays photos of Dunn's city league and intramural basketball, volleyball and racquetball teams. Newspaper editorials and cartoons indicate his abiding concern with environmental issues.
In his work on campus, Norman Dunn needs not only technical skills and knowledge of scientific requirements; he must be expert in handling potential dangers on a daily basis -- hot liquid fiberglass, sharp-edged power tools, radioactivity and high voltage charges. Most of us would tremble to enter the premises when Dunn is at work in his challenging environment; he thrives in it.
"I love this job," Dunn says. "It's a great feeling, being in a one-of-a-kind situation like this. There's no humdrum routine in here."
