It is easy to be frustrated by the world of education these days, when every decision both internally and externally becomes a conflict-when protecting egos and turf are prime motivators, when hyper-competitiveness seems to crush the joy of learning on many days. Sigh….
So, I am always grateful to come across an a story that inspires me and reaffirms my hope in our students, for our future.
If you are looking for such an article, please check out Jac Kern’s excellent piece in the University of Cincinnati magazine, about a student led engineering society, EnableUC, who decided to put their love of engineering to good use- to help make low-cost prosthetic devices for pediatric patients.
It focuses on the president of the campus group, an exceptional person, Jacob Knorr, who is focused not only on serving the needs of those who might benefit from their prosthetic technology, but he is eager to share his love of engineering with high school students, especially those that might not have access to engineering mentors.
Knorr is quoted in the article,” We’re working on high school outreach to get that next generation of students interested so they can go to school for engineering.”
It is my sincere hope that Knorr and EnableUC succeed in their mission of inspiring students not to only become engineers, but to use their talents and gifts to serve those who are less fortunate.
If all of us adult educators would keep focused on that same mission, what a beautiful world we could create. Thanks for the great article and keep up the great work, EnableUC!
The article has a link to their upcoming plans and projects for a low-cost battery powered prosthetic hand that the group is working on. Please share with your friends!
Leave a comment below and let us know who in the world of research is inspiring you these days!
Questions for Discussion
- How has 3-D printing revolutionized prosthetic development?
- What parts of the world might benefit most from this low-cost technology?
- What is the dual mission of EnableUC?
- What new technology is EnableUC trying to develop?
- What other ideas could your students do to use 3-d printing to help those in need?
- What are 5 things in your classroom that were developed by engineers or designers?
What else does this inspire you to “learn,dream,do?”
Another Wide Open Research post about outreach with 3-d Printers.
Wide Open Research 