2024 Breakout Sessions

This interactive session invites you to dive into exciting STEM games and activities that link directly to real-world careers in manufacturing. Whether you're a student curious about future possibilities or a teacher looking to inspire young minds, this session offers quick, engaging, hands-on experiences that demonstrate how STEM skills can lead to exciting career paths. Tailored for 7th-9th graders but designed to be fun for all ages, it’s the perfect blend of learning and play.

Session leaders: Dr. Ann Noonen, Crawford Central School District; Rob Cierniakoski, Cochranton Jr/Sr High; Jayne Martin, Bayshore Homes; Amy Godwin, Crawford County K12 Career Education Alliance

Jayne Martin is the 3rd generation owner of her family business, Bayshore Homes.  Bayshore Homes is Northwestern PA’s premier modular and manufactured home builder.  Prior to joining her family business Jayne worked for a world class aerospace manufacturing company, Acutec Precision Aerospace. Jayne is involved in many community organizations and has a passion for showcasing our community’s high points in an effort to attract other young professionals to our area. Jayne is a graduate of Leadership Meadville Class 11, the Secretary for the Crawford County K-12 Career Education Alliance, a member of the Leadership Meadville Planning Committee, serves as the Vice Chairperson on the Junior Achievement of Crawford County Board, serves on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Western Crawford County, serves on the Meadville Medical Center Corporate Board of Directors and is an active Chamber member.  In 2024 Jayne was named Emerging Leader of the Year at the Chamber Diamond Awards.  

Dr. Ann Noonen is Crawford Central School District’s Director of Educational Technology & Federal Programs. Dr. Noonen has served in various roles, including teacher, administrator, district-level leader and regional-level leader, consistently demonstrating her passion for student success, staff development, and community engagement. She continues to inspire educators and leaders with her vision of fostering inclusive, forward-thinking schools that prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow.

Rob Cierniakoski is a Library/Media Specialist at Cochranton Jr. Sr. High School where he specializes in training digital literacy skills, integrating classroom technology, and supporting building initiatives. Mr. Cierniakoski leads a small student IT team, TechCrew, which provides peer support through troubleshooting and basic computer repairs. As one of the advisors for the school’s STEM Academy, he facilitates field trips, career exploration, and other experiences.

Amy Godwin is the Program Coordinator for Crawford County K-12 Career Education Alliance. Amy has served the local communities with her diverse background in Human Resources, Business Administration, Structural CAD Design, and Youth Ministry. She has covered a variety of industries including, Engineering, Manufacturing, Construction, Local Government, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship. Amy’s passion for leadership and development has led her to focus on guiding students through their transitions and preparing them for the workforce.

This session delves into the latest innovations in 3D printing, showcasing groundbreaking applications using metals, composites, and ceramics across various engineering fields. You'll also get an insider's look at the advanced capabilities of the Center for Manufacturing and Technology at the Institute of Healthcare and Cyber Knowledge (IHACK). Whether you're a student, teacher, or enthusiast, this session will open your eyes to the endless possibilities of additive manufacturing in today’s tech-driven world.

Session leader: Nick Devine, M.S., Center for Manufacturing and Technology and MakerSpace, Gannon University

Mr. Devine is the Design and Fabrication Engineer in the Center for Manufacturing and Technology (CMT). Nick did his undergrad and master’s degree at Gannon in electrical engineering.  He is responsible for the $1.4 million worth of equipment in the 13,000 sq ft MakerSpace and is developing a center for additive manufacturing. He oversees the operation of over sixty 3D printers spanning the whole range of plastic, metal, and resin-based printers. These machines support a variety of the College of Engineering and Business senior design projects and faculty research. He also works to collaborate with local industry providing 3D printing expertise and prototyping services. 

This dynamic panel features three young professionals, each a ‘marvel in manufacturing,’ who have carved out successful careers through unique and diverse pathways. Hear their personal stories and discover how their interests and abilities led them to fulfilling roles in the manufacturing sector. Whether you’re a student exploring career options or a teacher guiding the next generation, this session will spark your imagination and show you the exciting possibilities that await in manufacturing.

Session leaders: Cylie Schrimper, Machinist, Industrial Sales & Mfg, Inc. (Erie, PA); Margi Haiss, Chemist, Jamestown Coatings (Jamestown, PA); Connor Crago, Programmer, Acutec Precision Aerospace (Meadville, PA)

Cylie Schrimper graduated from NW PA Collegiate Academy in 2023. She had a place at Slippery Rock University to study for a Bachelors in Exercise Science but after just one week knew it wasn't for her. She felt more of a need to work with her hands. She wasn't exactly sure what the ideal career looked like for her, so she worked at a restaurant for a year trying to decide. Her father worked in manufacturing, and she always found it intriguing. Cylie secured an interview at ISM, and after learning more about the careers available and the skills required, she wanted to give machining a go. Cylie started as an entry level machinist with no prior experience. She had a solid foundation in math, attention to detail, and enjoys creating things. Cylie is currently on a 6-month on the job training program and independently runs several machines. Cylie has a bright future at ISM!

Margi Brunson is a paint and coatings chemist at Jamestown Coating Technologies, located in Jamestown, Pennsylvania. After earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Grove City College, she began work at JCT in the summer of 2018. She was drawn to JCT as an opportunity to blend her love of art, interest in material science and chemistry knowledge. She currently works in the development of coatings for flexible and rigid packaging.

Connor graduated from Maplewood High School and Crawford Tech studying Precision Machining. During his third year at Crawford Tech, he was assigned a Co-Op at Acutec Precision Aerospace running a Single Lathe. During high school, Connor worked his way up to running a 4 Axis Live Turn Lathe. After graduation, Connor continued advancing and today holds a CNC Programmer position on the Integrex machines at just 19 years old.

Join us for an exciting session where an applications engineer takes you behind the scenes of his innovative project: programming a robot to make the perfect putt every time. Discover the fascinating world of robotics and learn about the education, training, and experiences that led him to this unique career. Whether you’re curious about robotics, engineering, or just love a good challenge, this session will inspire you to see how your interests can shape your future.

Session leader: Mitchell Schlegel, NEFF Automation

Mitchell Schlegel has been an Applications Engineer with NEFF for over 6 years with his main focus being robot programming and motion control applications.  He graduated from Elizabethtown College with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in May 2018 and started at NEFF a couple weeks later. Over the last 6 years, he mainly supports customer’s robotics projects. From concept, to design, to programming, to training, to troubleshooting and everything in between. In my personal life, Mitchell lives in York, PA and has enjoyed being an avid runner for over 15 years. He has 2 dogs and recently became a dad this past December when he and his wife welcomed the cutest baby girl in the world. It has been the best 2nd job that he could ever have!