CAHNRS Faculty Feature: Frank Younce

We asked several CAHNRS Ambassadors, excellent students who love WSU and their college, to name their favorite or most influential professors. And now we’re featuring those nominated educators in this weekly series, which runs through the summer.

profile photo of Frank Younce
Frank Younce

Today we’re showcasing Frank Younce, Senior Scientific Assistant in the WSU/UI School of Food ScienceHere are his answers to a few questions:

Where are you from?

Granite Falls, Wash. 

Where did you go to school?  

I have a B.S. in Ag Engineering and a M.S. in Engineering Science, both from WSU. I’m also a licensed Professional Engineer in Control Systems and a Certified Food Scientist

How did you become interested in your field?

I came from a very humble farm which was literally in the sticks, so I learned to be mechanically resourceful early on. The Washington State FFA Convention was an enjoyable high school experience and introduced me to Agricultural Engineering. So after pre-engineering studies at Everett Community College, I transferred to WSU. During my senior year I took a course in food process engineering from Dr. Denny Davis and have been inspired and fascinated with food engineering ever since.

Why did you want to become a professor?

I enjoy giving back from what I’ve learned.  And teaching students is a great way to do that.

What is your favorite thing about working with college students?

 I enjoy their energy and helping them develop professionally.     

What advice would you pass along to students?

Always try to take the high road and do your best. You will never know how far you can go unless you make an attempt.