Emerging technology, like 3D printing, is playing an integral part of the learning process at Hawaii Pacific University. HI Now host Jobeth Devera sat down with Harm-Jan Steenhuis, associate dean and professor of management and international business at HPU, to talk about how the new technology is changing the shape of the future for these university students.
HPU is exposing students to 3D printing and other emerging technologies through hands-on learning experiences. 3D printers are rapidly becoming cheaper and more accessible to the public, allowing for more innovation and cost saving products. The college is unique in that it takes a look at 3D printing from a business perspective while other universities go from an engineering perspective. For example, classes look at purchase decisions for production equipment, company strategies, and how 3D printing innovation can create entirely new job descriptions.
Steenhuis believes that exposing students and the public to 3D printing will have a trickledown effect in multiple ways. For example, with recycling, one of the things the university would love to undertake is a collaboration with the state on a business plan for a start-up company. He says they would love to see how using recycling capabilities in combination with 3D printing could positively affect the environment, reduce costs, and improve the standard of living.
About Hawaii Pacific University
Hawaii Pacific University is a private, nonprofit university on the Hawaiian island of O’ahu. The campuses in downtown Honolulu and at the foot of the Ko’olau Mountains on the windward side of the island enable students to enjoy the best of both worlds; a vibrant, international city and a stunningly-beautiful, tropical setting. And with students and faculty from around the world, it is one of the most culturally-rich, private universities in the U.S.
For more information: hpu.edu, IG: @hawaiipacificuniversity, FB: hawaiipacific, Twitter: @HPU