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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe roles of these three women are not only a testament to FST\u2019s dedication to diversity and inclusion\u2013 where special attention is given to the early identification of female talent, the targeted career promotion of women into top leadership positions and the networking of women within the company \u2013 but also are testament to the women themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ryan Fleming, Manager of Material Test Lab Operations for FST, says the unique skills that each manager brings to her job not only benefit their individual laboratories but also the Central Lab\u2019s capabilities as a whole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTeamwork is so vital to the testing we do because each project we\u2019re presented with can have many different needs that require close coordination to utilize the specific expertise of each lab,\u201d said Fleming. \u201cEach of these women and their distinctive strengths \u2013 such as Jackie\u2019s experience in quality, Ursula\u2019s strong background in coatings and materials, and Heather\u2019s hands-on testing knowledge \u2013 have created a great dynamic that works very well.\u201d
Fleming adds that coordinated teamwork is especially crucial as the lab supports Freudenberg in its shift into areas such as the e-mobility space. \u201cAs we work toward adding expanded test capabilities, especially in the area of battery, fuel cell and flame testing, the cross-lab coordination has been more essential than ever, as it is such an important focus area for the company,\u201d Fleming said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To give insight into their roles, Oyer, Schwark and Shuman took some time to explain their responsibilities, what a typical workday looks like for them and give a snapshot of their lives outside the lab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My role as manager for the Physical Testing Laboratory involves coordinating projects for internal and external customers that range from annual validation testing and the testing of new materials and applications to investigating new equipment to ensure the lab maintains and builds its world-class capabilities \u2013 especially in the face of emerging needs for new materials that work in an e-mobility environment. As technology is changing so quickly, we must also move quickly to meet the demands of the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I also manage the Adhesives Laboratory and specialize in developing Freudenberg\u2019s surface technology requirements, such as bonding materials, new adhesives, coatings, and pre-treatments and other applications that will result in new growth and business opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My days start early, around 6:30 a.m., so I can address any lab concerns or equipment issues first and foremost, before diving into coordination and project specifics. On any given day, my responsibilities can include approving incoming projects, managing lab budgets, coordinating testing needs, managing the testing team as well as new equipment, repairs and calibrations, communicating with external and internal customers on test results, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I really enjoy learning and working in a diverse and global environment and Freudenberg has given me that opportunity. Since I began at the company, I\u2019ve been exposed to surface technology and new adhesives and coatings, which has helped me build an understanding of the testing needs for the company both now and in the future as new materials are developed. I also get to collaborate with very talented and amazing people as we work together to manage the testing needs for new development projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On my days off, I very much enjoy being outside and working in my yard. My kids have played sports for a long time and I have spent a lot of time watching football, baseball, cheerleading and softball. We have had opportunities to travel all over the county for their sports \u2013 especially recently, as there has been a lot of traveling as my daughter finishes her travel softball career and moves to play college softball.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In my role, I oversee the Analytical Lab, which supports all North American Lead Centers. The work our team does is constantly evolving to meet Lead Center needs \u2013 we work to solve the high-level puzzles that allow us to best support them and new development projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My daily responsibilities are mainly focused on communication with internal and external requestors, approving and assigning projects, creating project quotes, working with chemists to establish and complete method development projects, and researching new technologies and instrumentation with cooperation from the Technology & Innovation team. I also oversee lab requirements related to internal quality standards and IATF 16949 requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a company, Freudenberg has really given me space to grow and learn, and I have been entrusted with a great deal of autonomy. I find the challenging pace of innovation and development such an integral part of the company. It\u2019s a guiding principle and one that keeps us a leader in the industry. In my work specifically, it pushes our analytical work to stay on the leading edge. It\u2019s an exciting atmosphere and the people I\u2019ve worked with have been incredibly cooperative, supportive and knowledgeable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Outside of the lab, I spend most of my time off with my family, and my two children keep me very busy. When I have time to myself, I enjoy gardening, which can be a tricky hobby in Michigan. When the weather cooperates between May and September, it\u2019s very enjoyable for me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019m responsible for overseeing the Mechanical Lab group, where we fulfill customer needs and help develop and evaluate new testing methods and equipment. We test materials and parts for development by testing characteristics like high temperature, battery compatibility, fuel cell compatibility, cyclic loading and metrology, among others. As a lab team, it\u2019s an exciting time as we expand into battery and flame barrier testing. This is an area I\u2019m very energized about, as I see how it can be applied across a range of products and there are many future opportunities to broaden our capabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Day-to-day, I can be found supporting a variety of projects, including data analysis, metrology programming and testing requirements. Part of what I like best about my role is that there is a good mix of tasks and projects to keep things interesting. I\u2019ve had a very versatile career at Freudenberg, from advanced product development to computer-aided engineering and now the lab. All my positions have helped me build my skills and the variety I\u2019ve been able to experience has made things extremely engaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most importantly, my Freudenberg co-workers are friendly people who want to work together to achieve goals and support each other to improve. That supportive atmosphere is so important, especially when it comes to the most demanding aspect of my job \u2013 Freudenberg\u2019s dedication to continuous improvement. That dedication can present big challenges to surmount but it also makes working together to achieve our goals even more rewarding and interesting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Those challenges also help bolster one thing I like best about Freudenberg, and that\u2019s the company\u2019s ability to adapt and expand based on industry evolution and disruption, such as our shift from focusing on internal combustion engines to EVs and alternative energy sources.![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sw.fst.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/17_33_DSC1731-copy-2_bearb_4c-1160x1123.jpg\")
Ursula Oyer
Manager, Physical Testing Lab<\/h2>\n\n\n\nJackie Schwark
Manager, Analytical Lab<\/h2>\n\n\n\nHeather Shuman
Manager, Mechanical Lab<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
During my downtime, you can usually find me with my boys camping. Napping in a hammock is pretty nice, too!<\/p>\n