Glenn Anglada dreamt of owning his own 3D printing business and using his engineering knowledge to make an impact along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Anglada’s dream is now a reality because of The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) Ocean Engineering Entrepreneurship Pathway (OEEP) program, which prepares graduates for success in the state’s Blue Economy. Anglada put his skills to the test and became the first graduate of the program, which is committed to establishing the Mississippi Gulf Coast as the nation’s leader in ocean science, engineering and technology.
Southern Miss is the only institution in the state to offer the OEEP program, which sets students on a unique five-year path to earn a Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering (OE) in four years, as well as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in one additional year–all while acquiring the necessary skills for a career in the Blue Economy. The program supports workforce development and job creation along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, allowing students like Anglada to chart a path forward by combining his passion for business ownership and knowledge of 3D printing.
During his time in the OE program, Anglada applied his research and 3D printing skills to a senior project focused on using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) for underwater applications. FDM is a popular 3D printing method where a digital model is transformed into a physical object by melting and layering thermoplastic material. For his project, Anglada designed 3D models to create watertight, pressurized parts capable of withstanding harsh marine conditions. Through the program, he learned how to strengthen printed parts, explore different printing techniques, and incorporate those parts into his business models.
“I like the entrepreneur side of things. The program offered a chance to develop something I can truly be proud of. This was a great way to take the next step forward,” said Anglada.
Dr. Steven Stelk, MBA director in the College of Business and Economic Development, and Dr. Gero Nootz, professor in the School of Ocean Science and Engineering–both strong supporters of the OEEP–encouraged Anglada to enroll in the program to enhance his senior project, build business skills and delve into new technologies.
After earning his bachelor’s degree, Anglada accepted a full-time position at Ingalls Shipbuilding, but felt compelled to keep moving forward. Through the OEEP program, he pursued an MBA to further develop his senior 3D printing project. The program also empowered him to launch his own business, Anglada 3D, in Gulfport, Miss. He credits the MBA portion of OEEP with providing advanced business knowledge and the confidence to follow his passion.
“Watching Glenn grow into a standout entrepreneur, first through the OE and now the OEEP program, has been inspiring—his final project is one of the best we’ve seen, continues to draw attention, and shows exactly how homegrown innovation can help drive Mississippi’s future,” said Nootz.
“This program provides students with the opportunity to combine engineering and business knowledge to find solutions that are both technically and economically feasible. In the OEEP, Glenn developed an innovative 3D printing technique for underwater applications and built a business around it. I am excited to see how Glenn and future OEEP students build Mississippi’s economy,” said Stelk.
“This program has benefitted me in a few ways as an entrepreneur, owning my own business and being a working engineer in the industry. Having my MBA has opened a lot of doors to move up. I’m pleased with what the program allows me to do to grow as a person and in my business as well,” said Anglada.
The OEEP program was announced in 2019 as part of 15 restoration projects through the RESTORE Act. Funds were distributed by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) and the U.S. Department of Treasury in the state’s restoration efforts related to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Chris Wells, MDEQ executive director, is a proud supporter of the program and its boost to the state’s Blue Economy.
“This innovative program is a great example of how RESTORE funding can create real, long-term impact for Mississippi. We’re proud to support efforts like the Ocean Enterprise Entrepreneurship Program at USM, which prepares students not only to excel in ocean engineering but to launch their own ventures and grow our coastal economy,” said Wells.