Corey Adams
Education Program Manager
Universal Robots
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Corey Adams is a seasoned professional in industrial automation, based in Columbus, Ohio, with nearly 12 years of industry experience. For the past five years, he has led robotics education initiatives as the Educational Program Manager at Universal Robots.
Before joining Universal Robots, Corey worked in project management and technical sales for an industrial manufacturing distributor and robot integrator. He also served honorably in the U.S. Coast Guard and holds MBA degrees in Finance and Marketing from Keller University.
Session(s):
Panel Discussion: Best Practices in Robotics Education | Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - 11:15 AM (EDT)
Paul Aiello
Executive Director
FANUC America Corporation
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Paul Aiello is Executive Director of Education at FANUC America Corporation. In his current role, Aiello is responsible for the company’s Certified Education Training (CERT) segment which provides robotic and automation training to universities, community colleges, technical and K-12 schools throughout the Americas. He also champions the company’s “Partners with Education” program and provides leadership, professionalism, and commitment to bringing industry, education, and advanced automation together to help correct the current skills gap and build a skilled professional workforce for the future. Aiello has provided FANUC with the strategic development of more than 1600+ automation and robotics training centers through academic partnerships with secondary and post-secondary schools and industry training centers throughout the United States. This effort introduces students from all ages and diverse backgrounds to have socioeconomic impact and demystify alternative and affordable educational pathways that lead to exciting and rewarding careers. This group is responsible for community outreach and engagement to foster a culture of inclusion and diversity by directly addressing talent development and recruitment.
With more than 40 years of automation and robotic training experience, FANUC America provides all schools with access to real world technology, equipment, software, hardware, curriculum, eLearning, instructor training and Industry certifications. Over the last 15 years FANC America has contributed more than $85 million dollars to bolstering education partner’s automation programs for incumbent worker upskilling and future talent pipelines. This effort is vital to securing and expanding US manufacturing today and in the future.
Aiello joined FANUC in 1999 and was responsible for sales of all support products, services, education, and training in the Americas. He helped establish the FANUC Customer Resource Center including the Technical Support Call Center, the CERT group and the FANUC Education Solutions Provider Network (ESP), consisting of leading suppliers/ advisors to academia.
Session(s):
Panel Discussion: Equipping the Modern Workforce for Careers in Robotics, Automation, and Smart Manufacturing | Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - 1:00 PM (EDT)
Amanda Beaton
US Education Program Manager
Siemens
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Amanda Beaton has been with Siemens since 2003.
As the U.S. Program Manager for Siemens Automation Cooperates with Education (SCE), she bridges academia and industry by helping educators equip the next generation of workers with essential automation skills.
In earlier roles at Siemens, she developed an apprentice program for field service technicians and led a leadership development program for engineers and employees. She began her career in Siemens' Operations Leadership Development program, gaining hands-on experience in manufacturing operations in both Mexico and the U.S. She later served as a Project Manager and Product Manager for Low Voltage and Energy Management product lines.
Amanda holds a Bachelor's degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Georgia Tech and an MBA from Georgia State University.
She actively serves on several industry advisory boards for colleges, universities, and nonprofits across the United States.
Session(s):
Educator of the Year Award | Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - 1:45 PM (EDT)
Jim Devaprasad
Professor and Director of Robotics Engineering
Lake Superior State University
Jim Devaprasad is a Professor in the School of Engineering and Technology and Director of the LSSU Robotics Center, which houses more than $3 million in robotics and automation equipment. He is the architect of LSSU’s robotics program, the first bachelor’s degree program in robotics in the United States, established in 1985.
Hundreds of LSSU robotics graduates have gone on to successful careers with robot manufacturers, system integrators, and end-user companies across North America and beyond. Many have risen to leadership positions, including CEO, Vice President, and Director roles, while others have founded their own successful automation companies.
Over his 40-year career at Lake Superior State University—one of Michigan’s 15 public universities—Prof. Devaprasad has earned numerous accolades, including A3’s Educator of the Year award, the Distinguished Professor Award from the Michigan Association of Governing Boards, and the Outstanding Manufacturing Engineer Award from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. He has presented at numerous conferences and events, including at NIST, IEEE’s IROS, and Automate.
Jim is actively engaged in fostering partnerships with industry and promoting STEM education through a variety of committees and service activities. He serves on multiple A3 committees, including the Membership, Advocacy, and Education Committees, and his dedication to robotics education and applied research continues to make a strong impact on both the academic and industrial sectors.
Session(s):
Panel Discussion: Defining the Modern Advanced Manufacturing Pathway | Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - 10:15 AM (EDT)
Tad Douce
Executive Director
EduEverything / The National Robotics Challenge
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Tad Douce has served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and school administrator since beginning his career in 1996. He started his career as a middle school pre-engineering instructor in central Ohio and has authored numerous books, tutorials, and curriculum packages in robotics, STEM, manufacturing, and making. In 2011, he was awarded the Professor George Schneider, Jr. Manufacturing Technology Education Faculty Award from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers -Education Foundation and the prestigious SME-EF “Building the Future” award in 2008. He is currently the Director of Educational Technology and Communication (a.k.a. Head Nerd) for River Valley Local Schools near Marion, Ohio. He also serves as the Executive Director for the 501c3 organization EduEverything, Inc., where he oversees operations for the National Robotics Challenge, Drones in School, and Advanced Vertical Robotics (AVR) STEM programs. His great purpose is to help people find their passions and unleash their full potential.
Session(s):
Panel Discussion: Best Practices in Robotics Education | Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - 11:15 AM (EDT)
Joshua Ebert
Curriculum Development Manager
Association for Advancing Automation (A3)
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Josh Ebert is the Curriculum Development Manager at the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), where he brings a fresh, creative perspective to education in robotics and automation. With a background rooted in digital media and a career that’s naturally evolved toward teaching and learning, Josh leads efforts to expand A3’s e-learning presence—developing engaging videos, animations, and interactive tools that support K–12, postsecondary, and workforce training audiences.
His experience spans corporate e-learning, instructional design, classroom teaching, and digital storytelling, including years spent consulting with leading automation companies to help translate complex concepts into accessible content for younger learners. Josh thrives at the intersection of technology, creativity, and education—always looking for new ways to spark curiosity and make automation more approachable for all.
Session(s):
Closing Remarks | Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - 2:00 PM (EDT)
Joseph Gemma
Engelberger Robotics Award Recipient; Advisory Board, Integrion Automation
Mr. Joe Gemma has 35 plus years of experience working in the automation industry. Early in his career, he spent 12 years working for a System Integrator and then 20+ years working for Robotics OEM’s. Strongly supporting the industry by participating on the RIA Board of Directors and as past Chair, as well as severing on several committees. He currently serves on the Technology Sector Board of the Association for Advancing Automation. He has served on the Board of the IFR and past President for International Federation of Robotics. At Wauseon Machine, Joe is responsible for the front end of the business as the (CRO) Chief Revenue Officer. Previously he spent 5 plus years as the CEO/Chief Regional Officer for KUKA Robotics Division - Americas. Spending 18 years at Stäubli, Mr. Gemma was CEO the Stäubli Group North America. Until 1997, he worked for the US enterprises, Advanced Technology Systems, Crellin Technologies and Corner & Lada, working in engineering, project management, business development and sales management.
Mr. Gemma received the recognition from Association for Advancing Automation (A3) as the 2024 Joseph F. Engelberger Award recipient for leadership and currently serves on various committees of the A3, which covers the North American automation industry. Joe is committed to working to get broader visibility of the automation industry in general.
Session(s):
Welcome | Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - 9:45 AM (EDT)
Carrie Giles
ACTE Past-President
Association for Career and Technical Education
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Carrie Giles has 21 years of experience working in secondary and post-secondary career-technical education. She currently serves as the Regional Lead for Ohio's Central Region Career Pathway Support Network and as the National Board Past-President for ACTE. Carrie is a graduate of Ashland University, ACTE's National Leadership Fellowship and Post-Secondary Leadership Programs, Ohio's Shoemaker CTE Institute, and The National Career Pathway Network's (NCPN) Leadership Development Academy.
Giles previously served as ACTE's Region 1 VP and President for The Ohio's Career-Technical.
Administrator's Association. She also serves on ACTE's Region 1 Policy and Conference Planning Committees and a mentor for new ACTE Board Members and ACTE Leadership Fellows.
Session(s):
Panel Discussion: Equipping the Modern Workforce for Careers in Robotics, Automation, and Smart Manufacturing | Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - 1:00 PM (EDT)
Brandon Hudson
Director of Workforce Development
SkillsUSA
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Brandon Hudson is the Director of Workforce Development for SkillsUSA. As part of his role, Brandon is responsible for SkillsUSA’s experiential workforce development initiatives and oversees 115 different national competitions that serve as premier showcase of America’s most highly skilled career and technical education students and one of the largest hands-on workforce development events in the world. Prior to his arrival at SkillsUSA, Brandon served as the Senior Director of Workforce and Economic Development with the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. At THEC, Brandon assisted with the administration of the Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE) grants and the Supporting Postsecondary Access in Rural Communities (SPARC) grants and worked to align postsecondary Career and Technical Education with workforce needs by facilitating partnerships and sharing best practices across the State of Tennessee. Prior to THEC, Brandon was the Vice President at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Shelbyville and was the Coordinator of Special Projects at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville.
Brandon and his wife, Julia, live in Englewood, CO, where they have two dogs: Olive and Otis.
Session(s):
Panel Discussion: Defining the Modern Advanced Manufacturing Pathway | Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - 10:15 AM (EDT)
Sarah Jones
Sr. Program Manager, Workforce Development
Robotics Education & Competition Foundation
Sarah has been in education for 18 years. She started her career teaching secondary mathematics before transitioning to higher education as the Director of STEM Outreach at a local university. Throughout her career she has mentored new educators, worked with existing educators to create new and meaningful pedagogy for their classroom, promoted STEM education across the K-16 pathway, and worked with the AR Department of Education to expand the Computer Science initiative. She currently works with schools to provide students with the opportunity to earn Industry Certifications in Pre-Engineering and Robotics, and to expand their CTE pathways to be more industry relevant.
Session(s):
Panel Discussion: Equipping the Modern Workforce for Careers in Robotics, Automation, and Smart Manufacturing | Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - 1:00 PM (EDT)
Christelle Keefer
Director of Training and Certification
Association for Advancing Automation (A3)
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Christelle is passionate about advancing automation and creating opportunities that strengthen and prepare the workforce. She currently leads the strategy, development, and execution of training and certification programs at the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), supporting professionals across robotics, automation, machine vision, motion control, and AI. Her work focuses on building industry-relevant learning pathways, certifications, and curriculum that help individuals and organizations develop the skills needed to succeed in the rapidly evolving automation landscape.
Named one of the 10 Women Shaping the Future of Robotics by the International Federation of Robotics, and recognized with the Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce Tomorrow’s 20 Award and Oakland County’s 40 Under 40, Christelle is committed to driving progress across the industry. She is also a strong advocate for women, underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities, and diverse communities to explore and thrive in automation.
Through advisory committees, industry collaboration, and mentorship initiatives, she works to connect industry, education, and community. Having partnered with professionals, educators, and students across more than 40 countries, Christelle continues to help shape the future of automation by expanding access to knowledge, opportunity, and innovation.
Session(s):
Panel Discussion: Defining the Modern Advanced Manufacturing Pathway | Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - 10:15 AM (EDT)
Daniel Lau
Professor and Director of Graduate Studies
University of Kentucky
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Dr. Daniel L. Lau received his B.Sc. degree (with highest distinction) in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, in 1995 and his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Delaware, Newark, in 1999. He is the Databeam Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Kentucky, Director of Graduate Studies, and a Certified Professional Engineer. Dr. Lau was elected to the A3 Vision Technology Strategy Board of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), where he provides strategic direction for the advancement of machine vision technology. Dr. Lau is widely published, including proceedings such as the IEEE and the book Modern Digital Halftoning (CRC Press, 2nd edition). His research spans 3D imaging, machine vision, digital halftoning, and optical engineering, and has appeared in Vision Systems Design, Photonics Spectra, Imaging Insight, and Inspect Magazine, with numerous patents granted in halftoning and structured light systems.
Session(s):
Panel Discussion: Best Practices in Robotics Education | Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - 11:15 AM (EDT)
Lisa Masciantonio
Chief Workforce Officer
The ARM Institute
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Lisa Masciantonio is the Chief Workforce Officer for the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute. She joined the ARM Institute in May 2017 as the Director of Membership and Outreach. She moved to the position of Chief Workforce Officer in 2019 and she is responsible for driving the Education & Workforce Development vision for ARM in conjunction with the ARM membership, the U.S. Department of Defense, and other expert stakeholders.
Lisa brings with her over 25 years of experience as a performance-driven leader with notable success in cultivating and executing business strategies and formulating long-term strategic client relationships. She has proven success in developing business solutions, commercialization of products, technology transfer, and technological initiatives that have supported organizational growth, improved staff productivity, and increased value to many communities of practice. Critical to her success is the ability to increase awareness and drive thought leadership position by designing and executing innovative programs as well as developing and launching new, value-add offerings for ongoing competitiveness. Lisa received a Bachelor’s degree from the Pennsylvania State University and 2 Master’s degrees from Carnegie Mellon University.
Lisa has been recognized as one of 20 world-wide Exceptional Women in Robotics and Automation by SME. She was also recognized by the Pittsburgh Business Times as a Women of Influence and was also part of the inaugural Technical.ly Pittsburgh RealLIST Connectors list, which recognizes the top 100 influential leaders in Pittsburgh tech.
Session(s):
Panel Discussion: Equipping the Modern Workforce for Careers in Robotics, Automation, and Smart Manufacturing | Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - 1:00 PM (EDT)
Craig McAtee
Executive Director & CEO
National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers (NCATC)
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Proud Disruptor of the Status Quo, Futurist, Executive Director & CEO for the National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers (NCATC), and Executive Director of the Instructional Technology Council (ITC). McAtee also served as Vice President of the Workforce and Economic Development Division of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) in Cleveland, Ohio for seven years. And, before that, he spent twenty-five years in engineering and senior leadership positions for Swagelok Company, an international manufacturing organization, based in Cleveland, Ohio.
McAtee is also an active member of the Workforce & Economic Development Commission for the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) in Washington, DC, past chair of AACC’s Council of Affiliated Councils (COAC), Director on the NextFlex Board for Workforce & Education in San Jose, CA. and past member of the ARM Institute Education & Workforce Advisory Council (EWAC).
McAtee is also a BILT Academy Coach for 2020-2025 cohorts, a member of the 2021/24 BLU Manufacturing Recover Panel for the Biden Administration and a Keynote Speaker on “The Future of Work and Industry 4.0” across the nation, as time permits.
Session(s):
Panel Discussion: Equipping the Modern Workforce for Careers in Robotics, Automation, and Smart Manufacturing | Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - 1:00 PM (EDT)
Glade Montgomery
Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships
Project Lead the Way
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Glade Montgomery is a lifelong educator who prior to joining Project Lead The Way served for twenty-nine years in public education in Indiana. During that time, he held roles as teacher and administrator, most recently leading as the superintendent of schools in LaPorte, Indiana. Glade is part of PLTW’s Impact Team and serves as Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships. His team works to develop partnerships with business and industry to connect the PLTW network to career learning experiences. He has also held roles on the Engagement Team leading the East Region, as well as the Strategic Accounts team. Glade also served as Chief of Staff, supporting the President and CEO. Glade earned doctoral, masters, and bachelor’s degrees from Purdue University. He received the 2010 Norbert Nelson Outstanding Educational Leadership Dissertation Award from Purdue University and was selected Administrator of the Year by the Indiana Association of Office Professionals in 2009.
Session(s):
Panel Discussion: Defining the Modern Advanced Manufacturing Pathway | Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - 10:15 AM (EDT)
Danny Murphy
Assistant Professor of Mechatronics
Central Virginia Community College
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Danny Murphy, the inaugural A3 Educator of the Year, is an award-winning educator, automation engineer and content creator.
As Assistant Professor of Mechatronics at Central Virginia Community College, he teaches automation and robotics while serving as Co-PI for NSF ATE grant Improving Advanced Manufacturing Technician Education Using Industry Partnerships. He is an appointed member of the Virginia Community College System AI Taskforce.
Danny has 25 years of experience in industrial automation. He has actively contributed to the development of over 75 pieces of prototype and production machinery for industries including pharmaceutical, automotive, non-destructive testing, lumber, beverage, telecommunications, and cosmological research.
His notable projects include collaborative automation used in the manufacture of the Harley Davidson Softail motorcycle, night-vision production equipment for US Army and US Special Forces suppliers, and cryostat positioning systems at ALMA Observatory (Earth’s most powerful deep-space telescope array) where he facilitated installation high in the Chilean Andes.
Recently, he designed electric vehicles that print fiber optic communication pathways on runways at domestic US Navy and US Air Force bases for secure flight data acquisition. These vehicles have also helped expand high-speed communication access to homes and municipalities nationwide, supporting remote work and education.
He is the founder and operator of multiple industry and education initiatives, including the Partnership of Education and Manufacturing (POEM), the International Automation Training Program (IATP), Technical Educator’s Alliance (TEA), and Automation & Electrical Services (AES).
Danny has been awarded the 2019 Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award, the 2022 Faculty Teaching Effectiveness Award, the 2022 Faculty Award for Professional Excellence, the February 2023 Learning Environment Award, the 2023 VCCA Showcase Award, the 2024 Outstanding Faculty Award, and 2024 A3 Educator of the Year.
Session(s):
Panel Discussion: Best Practices in Robotics Education | Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - 11:15 AM (EDT)
Ritch Ramey
Director of Education
Association for Advancing Automation (A3)
Ritch Ramey has more than 35 years of experience advancing robotics and automation workforce development. As Director of Education for the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), he supports national education initiatives serving more than 1,450 member companies and institutions. Ritch manages the growing Education Pavilion at the Automate Show, the largest robotics and automation event in the Americas, and works to expand industry training and workforce outreach programs.
His current work includes supporting the development of automation training curriculum, LMS-based credential pathways, and workforce partnerships with organizations such as ARM Institute, FIRST Robotics, the National Robotics Challenge, SkillsUSA, and the RECF VEX Robotics program. He also contributes to grant development and workforce pilot programs designed to expand robotics and automation training across the United States.
Before joining A3, Ritch served as State Coordinator and Founding Technical Lead of the RAMTEC Ohio initiative, one of the nation’s most successful advanced robotics workforce training models. At RAMTEC, he led curriculum development, grant implementation, and technical training across major industrial platforms including FANUC, Yaskawa, Universal Robots, and PLC systems from Siemens, Omron, Mitsubishi, and Allen-Bradley.
For more than two decades, Ritch has also coordinated VEX and SkillsUSA robotics competitions, promoting hands-on robotics education, safety awareness, and Industry 4.0 career pathways from middle school through adult workforce upskilling.
Session(s):
Welcome | Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - 9:45 AM (EDT)
Ted Rozier
Director Of Digital Advanced Technology & Robotics
Festo Didactic
Ted Rozier is the Director Of Digital Advanced Technologies and Robotics for Festo Didactic Solution Center North America, head quartered in Eatontown NJ,
Before Joining Festo Didactic, He Brings 18 years of experience in leading the Automation Engineering Department for Doosan Infracore Machine Tool Corporation. He specialized in the design and development of Robotics and Machine tool turnkey systems for the Automotive, Aerospace and Pharmaceutical industry.
Ted has managed the development of several User friendly automation control turnkey systems on a global scale.
As Director of Digital Advanced Technologies and Robotics of Festo Didactic, Ted is passionately looking to advance Festo Didactic as a global leader in designing and implementing Industry 4.0 learning factories and training programs with the view to systematically prepare individuals to excel working in dynamic and complex industrial automation environments.
Session(s):
Panel Discussion: Defining the Modern Advanced Manufacturing Pathway | Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - 10:15 AM (EDT)
Andrew Spiece
Computer Science Teacher
Edlearn
Discover Andrew Spiece, a visionary Computer Science teacher at Grand Blanc High School, who is revolutionizing technology education by harnessing the power of Minecraft Education in the classroom. As the founder of edlrn.io, Andrew has pioneered an engaging curriculum for middle school students, collaborating with Chicago Public Schools to integrate interactive learning platforms that captivate young minds. His dedication extends to high school education, where he utilizes Minecraft Education to transform traditional computer science concepts into immersive and interactive experiences, enabling students to explore, create, and solve problems in a virtual environment.
Andrew's rich educational background, with a Master of Education in Instructional Technology from Wayne State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from the University of Michigan - Flint, underpins his innovative teaching methods. Certified in Mathematics and Computer Science, he is a trailblazer in integrating gaming into education, engaging students in a way that encourages creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.
His role in leading the Truck Town Thunder Robotics program demonstrates his commitment to interactive and participatory learning, principles that are echoed in his use of Minecraft Education. This approach not only has made him a beloved figure among his students but also earned him accolades such as the Woodie Flowers Finalist Award, recognizing his outstanding mentorship and educational innovation.
For attendees at the Automate conference, Andrew Spiece embodies the future of education—a realm where technology and play converge to unlock unprecedented learning opportunities. His work exemplifies how educators can leverage popular gaming platforms to foster a deeper understanding of computer science principles, making him a beacon of inspiration for integrating Minecraft Education into high school classrooms.
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