Trine alumni recognized among young manufacturing, logistics leaders

INDIANAPOLIS — Two Trine University alumni were recently named to the fifth annual Rising 30 class, recognizing outstanding young professionals making significant early-career contributions to Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics (AML) sectors.

Spencer Brown, who earned a Bachelor of Science in design engineering technology and Master of Science in engineering management in 2018 at Trine, is a design/product engineer at Ember Recreational Vehicle in Bristol, Indiana.

Ashley Jeffirs, who earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering in 2023, a Master of Science in engineering management in 2024 and her MBA in May, is a manufacturing engineer at Zimmer Biomet’s foundry in Warsaw, Indiana.

From the ground floor

Spencer joined Ember in September 2021 a few months after the company was founded and before its first product line was launched.

“Many of us wear multiple hats,” he said of his work. “I am a member of our product development team and do anything from parts sourcing to product design and bill of material entry. I have even spent some time working on the production line when our operations team is spread thin.”

Spencer said he enjoys looking across the three series and 40 floorplans that Ember has developed and seeing his designs reflected.

“I am most proud of the small team that I get to be a part of and all of our accomplishments, but a close second and third are the two designs I have contributed to that are patent pending,” he said. “These designs challenge the status quo in the RV industry and make RVs more universal and appealing to consumers.”

Working with expansion

Ashley interned at Zimmer Biomet during the summer of 2022 and began working there part-time before completing her bachelor’s degree.

“These opportunities allowed me to stay involved with ZB’s internship program by now being a mentor for interns,” she said.

Her day-to-day work includes walking through the foundry to monitor scrap, process parameters and issues raised by operators related to equipment failures, process optimization and ergonomics. She also works on cost savings and tool redesign projects.

“Zimmer Biomet's foundry is undergoing a $40 million expansion, and I am highly involved,” she said. “I actively oversee part of the project. Part of my role in the expansion project is leading the acquisition of a new furnace and optimizing the pour area. My remaining responsibilities for the foundry expansion include equipment qualifications, procedure updates, flow optimization and other equipment acquisitions.”

She said she was honored, humbled and energized to be recognized as part of the Conexus Rising 30.

“It feels incredible to have my efforts acknowledged, especially in a field as dynamic and hands-on as manufacturing engineering,” she said. “To be among a group of young professionals who are driving innovation in Indiana’s advanced industries is something I’m proud of. It reaffirms that the work I’ve been doing is making an impact. It motivates me to keep pushing boundaries, not just for myself, but within Zimmer Biomet, for the industry and the community.”

About Rising 30

The Rising 30 program is offered by Conexus Indiana, dedicated to advancing the state’s position as a global leader in advanced manufacturing and logistics.

The organization says honorees represent exceptional talent under the age of 30 who are already reshaping Indiana’s largest industry sector and will lead it into the next era of innovation.

Conexus Indiana said this year’s cohort was selected for their remarkable achievements and forward-thinking approaches, and they embody the bright future of Indiana’s manufacturing and logistics industries.

“When I visit our manufacturing facilities across Indiana, I’m always struck by the ingenuity of our young talent,” said Jay Wirts, president and CEO of Conexus Indiana. “These Rising 30 honorees aren’t just building products — they’re building the future of Hoosier manufacturing and ensuring our families and communities thrive. Each one of them represents why Indiana continues to strengthen its position as a global manufacturing and logistics powerhouse for generations to come.”

The 2025 honorees span a wide range of specialties — from engineering and operations to research and development, technical services and strategic leadership. They represent organizations ranging from established global corporations, emerging startups and local family businesses distributed throughout Indiana’s manufacturing hubs from South Bend to Jeffersonville.

Rising 30 candidates are nominated by their employer or an industry representative. Winners are selected based on their career accomplishments to date. In the coming year, the Rising 30 honorees will participate in Conexus Indiana’s work by serving as thought leaders on topics including technology adoption and workforce development.

The 2025 Rising 30 class was celebrated at a recognition event in downtown Indianapolis on May 15.

About Conexus Indiana

Conexus Indiana, a branded initiative of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), is dedicated to advancing the Hoosier State’s position as a global leader in advanced manufacturing and logistics. Working closely with industry, academia, and government partners, Conexus Indiana drives workforce development, economic growth, and innovation across the state. For more information, please visit ConexusIndiana.com.