Upcoming NCNGM Joint Community of Practice

The National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (NCMGM), funded by the National Science Foundation, is excited to reveal the panelists for our upcoming joint community of practice: Paul Lavioe, Sachin J Koshy, and Ryan Hall. This Community of Practice is working in partnership with the National Applied Artificial Intelligence Consortium (NAAIC), and the Advanced Manufacturing Technical Education Collaborative (AMTEC), both also funded by the National Science Foundation. Dr. Ann Beheler, the Industry Engagement Director, will moderate the panel. She strategically leads the Business Industry Leadership Team (BILT) high-employer engagement model, which she developed for the National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing and other community colleges nationwide. The joint Community of Practice is scheduled for Thursday, May 14th, from 1:00 pm to 2 pm EST via Zoom.

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Dr. Ann Beheler

Our panelists will delve into the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on their respective organizations, with a particular focus on its implications for career-technical education in the manufacturing sector. This discussion aims to shed light on how AI technologies are reshaping not only operational processes but also the educational frameworks that prepare tomorrow's workforce.

As AI continues to evolve, its integration into manufacturing processes is becoming increasingly prevalent. Panelists will explore various applications of AI, such as predictive maintenance, quality control, and supply chain optimization. These technologies enable organizations to enhance productivity and efficiency while reducing operational costs. By automating routine tasks, AI allows human workers to focus on more complex problem-solving and decision-making roles, thus transforming the traditional workforce dynamics.

In parallel with these technological advancements, the field of career-technical education is undergoing significant changes. The panelists will discuss how educational institutions are adapting their curricula to meet the demands of a rapidly changing AI-driven manufacturing landscape. This includes the introduction of new training programs focused on AI literacy, data analysis, and robotics, ensuring students are equipped with the skills to thrive in an AI-enhanced work environment.

The discussion will also address the challenges organizations face in implementing AI and the subsequent need for a skilled workforce. Panelists will share insights on the gaps in current educational offerings and the importance of collaboration between industry and educational institutions. By fostering partnerships, organizations can help shape curricula aligned with real-world AI applications, thereby creating a talent pipeline that meets industry needs.

Paul Lavoie

Paul Lavoie serves as the University of New Haven’s inaugural Vice President of Innovation and Applied Technology. Previously, he was Connecticut's chief manufacturing officer, a role he held from 2022 to 2025 and was appointed by Governor Ned Lamont. In this position, Lavoie coordinated state and private sector efforts to expand manufacturing. His extensive industry experience includes being the general manager at Carey Manufacturing and owning two businesses. He also held senior roles in both publicly traded and privately held companies. Lavoie chairs the Connecticut Wind Collaborative, co-chairs the Governor’s Council on Women and Girls Subcommittee on Education and STEAM, and serves on advisory boards for the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System and UConn College of Engineering.

Sachin J Koshy

Sachin J Koshy is a recognized leader in AI and automation, with over 25 years of experience in guiding diverse teams through his expertise as an educator, soldier, speaker, and Six Sigma practitioner. A former Combat Engineer with the US Navy Seabees, Sachin has also served as a University Professor, Program Chair, and Evaluator for Colleges & University Accreditation. He holds numerous certifications from leading tech companies such as Nvidia, Intel, IBM, Google, UiPath, AAI, and Microsoft, along with Lean and Green Six Sigma Certificates and a Cisco Blackbelt Academy certification in AI and security. He actively contributes to advisory boards and steering councils for organizations such as WWT, Nvidia, Automation Anywhere, Central Washington University, and the National AI Business & Industry Leadership Team. Sachin is dedicated to fostering responsible and ethical AI discussions, aiming to enhance business processes, reduce employee burnout, and improve experiences for customers, citizens, and students.

Dr. Ryan Hall

Dr. Ryan Hall is the Innovation and Artificial Intelligence Lead at Owensboro Community and Technical College. In this position, he leads applied artificial intelligence projects, promotes workforce modernization, and fosters technology-driven innovation throughout Kentucky. Dr. Hall is a well-known speaker on topics such as artificial intelligence, workforce transformation, and the future of education. He frequently advises educational institutions, employers, and community groups on emerging technologies and their practical applications in education and workforce development.

Previously, he was the President of ESLI, where he operated in over 20 countries, including China, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Turkey, and Vietnam, establishing schools and working with governments and universities to build international partnerships and enhance educational outcomes. He holds a certification in Artificial Intelligence from Harvard University, among his other qualifications. We look forward to seeing you all virtually at our joint Community of Practice!

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