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.

Elliott Gefellers

Greene Technology Center, Teacher

“ACE parallels perfectly with what we’re already doing in our machine tool technology program, but this bootcamp takes it to the next level. I think the kids will really like that it’s hands-on because I certainly have.”

Elliott has been a teacher for 18 years at a facility that teaches high school electives during the day and serves as a TCAT facility at night. He is looking forward to folding ACE into his curriculum that should appeal to a wide range of ages. He likes showing students how to apply math in real-world jobs.

Josh Greenwell

SEAMTN Technician, PSTCC

“This is a pivotal point in our country.”

Josh enjoys being an instructor with America’s Cutting Edge. He loves seeing the drive of participants to learn new skills. He says ACE is a great place to start for those who want a fruitful machining career – especially at a time when we need machinists the most.

Jose Nazario

ACE Instructor for Train-the-Trainers and Guidance for all ACE training centers

“I’m trying to give them real-world experience in a college setting. I don’t want to just give them a block and say, cut this. I want them to know the programming behind it.”

Jose has taught the ACE curriculum to a wide range of participants, including students in high school, two-year programs, and universities as well as current machinists. He aims to give a broad introduction to machining and machine tool dynamics so that participants can find where they best fit in U.S. manufacturing.

Nathan Panak

Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES), Shop Lead

“I think ACE is a very accessible program. It doesn’t cost anything. You don’t need prior experience. Anyone who CAN do it, SHOULD do it.”

Nathan runs a machine shop for the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES). Here they work towards increasing manufacturing resilience in America and fixing supply chain issues. Nathan feels ACE is a great introductory overview of CNC and does a good job of breaking down the barriers to machining.

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.