March Webinar Recap

"The Strength of Connection: 3D Printing Parallels to Life" with Garrett Hawkins

In March, BYU Connect had the privilege of partnering with Garrett Hawkins, Additive Manufacturing Manager at Optisys. In this session, Garrett discussed the importance of connection in all aspects of life.

1) Technical Connections

Garrett believes that "the greates innovators are those who connect seemingly unrelated things together in unique ways." Some of his earliest engineering success are a result of him connecting objects from his life to projects he was working on.

2) Professional Connections

Thanks to a mentor who believed in him and wanted to help him succeed, doors were opened that allowed Garrett to become the professional he is toda. Another beloved friend and mentor taught him the importance of connections as he relied on others to help in areas where he lacked expertise.

3) Personal Connections

Despite a medical condition that affects his memory, Garrett puts in the effort to get to know everyone he can. He and his wife have also been eager to serve in many capacities throughout their marriage. Because of this, they have built a meaningful network that was able to help them when his wife's health suffered recently.

4) Spiritual Connections

Even though technological innovations have made finding answers to questions practically instantaneous, Garrett reminded participants to always turn to God first as the source of all truth. He seeks to share his testimony through his artwork. He also encourages all to tap into real connection in our digitally connected society.

Garrett Hawkins

Garrett Hawkins is the Additive Manufacturing Manager at Optisys, where he leads advanced 3D printing initiatives for aerospace and defense applications. He is also the founder of Building A.M. – Utah, a statewide community dedicated to increasing adoption, education, and collaboration around additive manufacturing, and serves as a student mentor for both the College of Engineering and the College of Computational, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences at BYU.

A 2021 mechanical engineering graduate of BYU, Garrett is a Society of Manufacturing Engineers 30 Under 30 honoree, a two-time nominee for 3D Printing Industry’s 3D Designer of the Year, and a globally sought-after speaker on 3D printing in aerospace and defense. At BYU, his work included published research on 3D-printed heating element design, the development of a world-leading isothermal microfluidic device, and leadership as Captain of the BYU Mars Rover Team. Outside of engineering, he is an internationally selling Christian artist, bringing a creative and human-centered perspective to both his technical and professional work.