Instructors

David Berry

Coordinator for Precision Machining Technology and Industrial Maintenance, Southwestern Illinois College

“I bring both passion and expertise to every project I undertake. By choosing SWIC for your ACE training, you’re joining a community dedicated to excellence and innovation in machining technology. We’re here to support your journey and help you achieve your professional goals in this exciting field.”

David Berry has been instructing SWIC students for over 10 years, starting as a part-time instructor before becoming full-time faculty in 2018. In 2024, he took on a new role as the Coordinator for Precision Machining Technology and Industrial Maintenance.

Since 2013, Berry has taught Mastercam, Solidworks, CNC G-code, and manual machining, providing students with essential skills for the machining industry. In 2018, he began teaching multi-axis mill and lathe, and in 2020, SWIC introduced advanced metrology with Zeiss CMM and Calypso software.

His true forte lies in multi-axis and 5-axis machining, where he excels at tackling complex machining tasks with precision and efficiency. Berry has solid proficiency with both Mastercam and Fusion 360 software, utilizing their capabilities to enhance various machining projects. While he is skilled in 3D modeling, it’s the intricate machining challenges that truly ignite his enthusiasm.

“At SWIC, we’re not just training students; we’re preparing individuals to meet the demands of a dynamic industry. As we strive to become a hub for America’s Cutting Edge training, our team at SWIC is committed to providing top-notch education and hands-on experience. Whether you’re exploring new career opportunities or advancing your skills in machining, our program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and expertise needed to succeed,” he said.

James Gibbons “Mr. Gib”

Polk State College Machinist

“Skilled labor isn’t cheap. Cheap labor isn’t skilled.”

In his 40+ year career as a machinist and fabricator, “Mr. Gib” has worked on multi-story buildings and very large steel structures, miles of handrails, thousands of CNC and manual machined parts, race cars, hot-rods, bikes, and guitars.

Tom Lewison

Assistant Professor of Mechatronics at Roane State Community College and ACE Instructor

“Once you’re successful at creating something, you gain confidence. Once you have confidence, sky’s the limit. That’s what I think ACE will do.”

Tom completed the ACE train-the-trainer course in July 2022 but has been in machining (both as a machinist and as a teacher) for many years. He’s looking forward to bringing the ACE curriculum to Roane State Community College students.

Sean Niemi

University of Florida Professor

“I want to completely revitalize the design and manufacturing curriculum we have for mechanical engineering at UF. I want to bridge to other departments so that anyone can do this.”

Formerly a student of ACE curriculum’s developer Dr. Tony Schmitz, Sean is thrilled to expand ACE into Florida. He feels ACE sets a new standard for how we educate mechanical engineering students and machinists, and he likes how it highlights multiple career paths.

Walt Posten

Indian River State College, Welder and Machinist

“When they can see something they built from nothing, that can be dramatic for them. Seeing a tangible part in use and knowing its function draws people in. ”

Walt is a welding instructor who’s ramping up the CNC program IRSC. An hour south of Cape Canaveral, their area of Florida has a lot of contractors for the aeronautics industry. Walt hopes ACE will draw more people to manufacturing because people who like machining are makers at heart.

Dr. Tony Schmitz

Mechanical Engineering Professor at University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT) and Developer of ACE Curriculum

“I want nothing less than eliminating the shortfall in the manufacturing workforce that exists today. U.S. manufacturing is ready for a new renaissance.”

Early in the pandemic, Dr. Schmitz was reimagining how to teach some of his engineering classes and developed what is now the online and in-person ACE curriculum for metal CNC machining. He continues to lead in-person training at UT for both participants and trainers planning to replicate ACE across the country.

Michael Sundblad

Assistant Professor, St. Cloud State University, Minnesota

“The air motor project in ACE is a great way for our engineering students to experience creating high tolerance parts with a connection to industry and manufacturing.”

Michael was one of the first to be certified to teach the ACE curriculum in Minnesota, along with fellow Professor John Holmen, also of SCSU. The ACE program in outstate Minnesota will be delivered via the TEC Network which will provide high school instructors the training and then deliver portable Haas CNC mills to their shops. The teaming up of ACE and the TEC Network will provide a winning combination for students to experience the machining industry.