HVACR Workforce Development Education Panel Discussion

Paul Downing

HVACR Faculty Fellow

Ivy Tech Community College-South Bend

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-downing-6bb904b3/

Paul Downing draws on a wide-ranging HVACR career that includes roles as a maintenance technician, service technician, and field supervisor, experience that shapes his commitment to developing new talent in the trade. He brings additional technical depth from his early work as an air‑mixed gas commercial diver and underwater welder, and he collaborates with Notre Dame researchers on EARTH Thrust 3 to advance innovations in refrigerant technology.

Cynthia Keeling

Dean, School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, & Applied Sciences, and Assistant Professor

Ivy Tech Community College-South Bend/Elkhart

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-keeling-a65624236/

Cyndy Keeling brings decades of experience across agriculture, industry, and education, beginning her career with 20 years at John Deere before moving into curriculum leadership and teaching roles in agricultural education. She now leads advanced manufacturing, engineering, and applied sciences programs with a commitment to workforce development, drawing on her background in agricultural economics, agricultural education, and curriculum design while raising purebred Simmental cattle with her family in Indiana.

Ellyn Lester

Assistant Dean of Construction and Architectural Technologies

Pennsylvania College of Technology

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellynlester/

Ellyn Lester is a leader in architecture and construction education whose career was shaped by early experiences on construction sites and a long-standing passion for the built environment. After building extensive industry and leadership experience across architectural firms and academic institutions, she now inspires emerging creators at Penn College, where she brings together her background in journalism, architectural marketing, and built‑environment advocacy to equip students for impactful careers.

Patrick Rouse

Vice President of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering and Applied Sciences from Systems Administration

Ivy Tech Community College

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-patrick-rouse-2a387a70/

Patrick Rouse has more than 15 years of experience in workforce development and higher education, leading advanced manufacturing and engineering initiatives that align training programs with industry and statewide workforce needs. He has managed large-scale technical education efforts, partnered with organizations across defense, aerospace, automotive, and advanced technology sectors, and provides consulting on program development and industry collaboration to support organizations adapting to rapid technological change.

Jennifer Sprague

Director, EARTH Education and Outreach

University of Kansas

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-sprague-7a61538a/

Jennifer Sprague serves as the Education and Outreach Director for the Environmentally Applied Refrigerant Technology Hub (EARTH), where she leads engineering workforce development and outreach initiatives across partner institutions. She collaborates with faculty, industry, and community stakeholders to design programs that advance student engagement, inclusive recruitment, mentorship, and career pathways connecting education, research, and industry. With experience in higher education, technical program design, and partnership development, she is committed to strengthening academic-industry collaboration and fostering innovation and belonging in STEM education.