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The State of Ohio and the Department of Higher Education awarded �鶹ӰԺ a $510,000 Regionally Aligned Priorities in Delivering Skills grant.

The award is part of a pilot program to bring together business and education partners to fill the growing need for qualified workers in the healthcare industry – specifically, in the areas of telemedicine and additive manufacturing or 3D printing. The grant will fund the purchase of a 3D printer to be used in projects and assignments to augment students’ learning experiences in �鶹ӰԺ State’s College of Applied Engineering, Sustainability and Technology.

“Adding a 3D printer will complement the existing equipment in the college and allow students to learn about additive manufacturing and the many industries it will impact in the future,” says Bob Sines, dean of the college.

3D printing allows faster product development and improvements to parts to be performed in a more direct manner with less down time. In addition, the collaboration between �鶹ӰԺ State’s College of Applied Engineering, Sustainability and Technology, College of Podiatric Medicine and Fashion School allows students to use 3D printing to make customized components for patients, such as toe separators and orthotics as well as accessories for garment design.

In the area of telemedicine, the grant also will allow �鶹ӰԺ State to purchase two portable teaching units and 14 portable telemedicine devices, which include a combination of AMD 1830 School-Based Telemedicine Carts/Kits and RP-Xpress Telemedicine units.

“We are excited to be taking part in this project to provide our students with new avenues to get involved in telemedicine,” says Austin Melton, Ph.D., professor from the Department of Computer Science in �鶹ӰԺ State’s College of Arts and Sciences. “We are also excited to address research questions regarding the future of telemedicine and how we can play a role in shaping and directing its future.”

The units will be used for practical and teaching purposes in the classroom, as well as in clinical settings at various �鶹ӰԺ State healthcare partners around Northeast Ohio. 

“We are grateful to the Ohio Department of Higher Education for their determination to fill in-demand jobs by providing grants through the Regionally Aligned Priorities in Delivering Skills and Ohio Means Internships and Co-ops initiatives,” says Jackie Ruller, project manager for �鶹ӰԺ State’s College of Applied Engineering, Sustainability and Technology. “These grants have positively affected the lives of many of our students.”

The project aligns with �鶹ӰԺ State’s initiatives to meet community needs and enhance the quality of life in the region and state, as well as build a culture of research and innovation.

For more information about �鶹ӰԺ State’s Division of Research and Sponsored Programs, visit www.kent.edu/research.