Briefly describe your teaching history and experience in manufacturing industry or education, including how many years you have been teaching.

I have been teaching Manufacturing Technology at the secondary level for 13 years, helping students develop technical skills in machining, CNC programming, welding, fabrication, and advanced manufacturing. Prior to entering education, I accumulated more than 20 years of industry experience in CNC machining and programming, working extensively with manufacturing processes, precision machining, and production environments. In addition to my classroom responsibilities, I have served on the advisory council for the Haas Technical Education Community (HTEC) for the past three years, collaborating with industry and educational partners to strengthen manufacturing education programs and align student learning with workforce needs. My combined experience in industry and education allows me to connect classroom instruction to real-world manufacturing applications and career pathways.

What is your favorite topic/ subject to teach and why?

My favorite subject to teach is CNC machining and programming because it gives students a direct connection between digital design and real-world production. Watching students go from learning code and toolpaths to producing accurate, functional parts on a machine is highly rewarding. It also mirrors real industry practice, which helps students see the relevance of what they are learning and builds confidence in their technical problem-solving skills. I especially enjoy seeing students progress from basic setups to independently troubleshooting and optimizing their own work.

How does HTEC and Gene Haas Foundation help you in your Program?

The Haas Technical Education Community (HTEC) and the Gene Haas Foundation have been instrumental in strengthening our manufacturing program by providing industry alignment, professional development, curriculum support, and access to a broader network of educators and industry partners. HTEC supports our program by connecting us with best practices in CNC machining and advanced manufacturing education, helping ensure our instruction remains current with industry standards and technology. The Gene Haas Foundation has provided critical financial support that directly impacts student learning and program growth. Most notably, we recently received the Gene Haas Naming Rights Grant in the amount of $600,000, which is currently being used to construct a brand-new, state-of-the-art manufacturing shop. This facility will significantly expand our capacity to serve students, improve hands-on training opportunities, and better prepare students for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing.

Have you previously served on HTEC council?

Yes

Do your students compete in any MFG competitions?

Skills, ProjectMFG, and SAE

Are you interested in presenting a session or joining a panel to discuss a topic at an upcoming HTEC conference?

Yes

What is your favorite part of HTEC conferences?

My favorite part of the Haas Technical Education Community conferences is the collaboration with other instructors from across the nation. The opportunity to share ideas, curriculum strategies, and real-world classroom solutions with educators who are facing similar challenges is incredibly valuable. Beyond the technical training and sessions, HTEC feels like more than a conference—it is a community. The relationships built there are ongoing and supportive, making it feel like a professional family that continues to grow and strengthen over time.