Meet student member, Dean Mehlhopt

We’d like to introduce you to one of our student members – Dean Mehlhopt from Open Polytechnic.

We’re pleased to introduce our student member Dean Mehlhopt. Dean is a student at Open Polytechnic studying a diploma in Mechanical Engineering while also working full time in engineering design for Hose Supplies.

Dean is passionate about facing challenges and finding the best possible outcome. Dean believes in learning every day and that learning is a large part of one’s progression and growth as an Engineer.

What do you like best about engineering?

Solving problems, finding solutions, and discovering results to design something for the most user-friendly buildability.

What makes a good engineer?

Understanding the client and end-user requirements, being able to visualise the finished product and work backwards to reach the end goal (reverse engineering). Communication with clients is also paramount in being a good engineer.

What development opportunities are you seeking?

To learn more in-depth technical knowledge of design and welding. This is something I strive to continuously improve upon.

What are your hobbies and pass-times?

My hobbies include tramping, mountain biking, wakeboarding.

What do you associate with heavy engineering and metals-based engineering?

Anything that can shaped, formed, welded, machined, or made from metal, from a 10-storey building to a pen spring.

What do you think about HERA?

HERA is important to all things metal in NZ. HERA shapes the future of many industries in NZ shaping the “how” and “why” a lot of things are built and/ or constructed.