CIO Explains 3D Printing Process & Applications

Dr. Jonathan Vester, Nash Community College’s Vice President of Technology and Chief Information Officer, held a virtual presentation from his home for fellow members of the Rocky Mount Kiwanis Club on Thursday, August 13, 2020.

Vester’s presentation titled “3D Printing: The Third Industrial Revolution” explained the process of three-dimensional printing and how it has brought small-scale manufacturing into our homes and classrooms. The discussions ranged from using 3D printing to repair items at home rather than replacing them, accessing free designs online, and using the technology to foster curiosity in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in learners of all ages.

Vester has also used 3D printing to create frames for face shields worn by first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic. “On my printer, the frames took about an hour and a half to print. While being home during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, my printer worked around 12 hours a day to produce the frames,” Vester said. “The frames were ready to use with easily acquired, rigid transparency sheets prepared with a three-hole punch and were used to fill the initial high demand for PPE.”

Dr. Vester began as Nash Community College’s Director of Institutional Technology in 2011 and was named Chief Information Officer in 2012. He holds an Associate in Applied Science in Computer Information Systems from Wilson Community College, Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration/Computer Information Systems, Master of Arts degree in Education with a concentration in Community College Administration and a Doctorate of Education with Educational Leadership– Community College Concentration, all from Western Carolina University.