The Technograph

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Hundreds of exhibits at this year’s Engineering Open House showcased the advancements of engineering in science, technology, and innovation. Applying well-known ideas to inventive projects (as well as creating original solutions to the common everyday problems) allows a synthesis of improvement, originality, and philanthropy to solve some of the world’s greatest difficulties. The application of engineering principles to biological, agricultural, and medical issues is an emerging pattern among current researchers attempting to utilize their knowledge for the greater benefit of society. Several student-run engineering organizations have built upon their research and experience to create methods for solving worldwide healthcare issues.

Jonathan Naber is a junior in Materials Science and Engineering and a member of the Illini Prosthetics Team. IPT is a collaboration of engineering, business, and entrepreneurship. The members are dedicated to empowering amputees through the creation of low-cost prosthetic devices. After developing four possible prototypes in the past year, the group created a prosthetic arm that has the potential to be distributed in developing countries worldwide. Naber recently won the Lemelson-MIT Illinois Student Prize, propelling IPT into the media spotlight and gaining them widespread attention in the professional prosthetics industry. The group will implement the prototype in Guatemala this summer before continuing the improvement process next fall.

Engineers Without Borders (EWB) is an international nonprofit organization that creates sustainable engineering projects in underdeveloped countries. The Guatemala Water Project at Illinois is an undertaking of 20 engineering students dedicated to providing clean potable water to the community of Socorro, Guatemala, using biosand filter technology to remove bacteria and worms from the water. Currently, over 300,000 filters have been implemented throughout the world, effectively reducing the substantial problems associated with waterborne illnesses.

The global projects not only improve health and general wellbeing, but also foster a sense of community and positive collaboration worldwide. Besides introducing new methods of science and technology to pervasive problems that can be easily solved, these endeavors create a new atmosphere based on communal and global partnership for the improvement of society. An initiative in Socorro, Guatemala ensures that local workers and community members are educated and engaged in the work.

The foundation of Engineering Open House is to display how engineering is changing lives. Many organizations, including EWB, are involved in local outreach projects to teach students and community members about their missions and accomplishments.

EOH exhibits continued to inspire new ideas and hope for the future by challenging others to make an impact. “By applying engineering ideas to healthcare issues, we hope to improve the quality of life for amputees,” said Richard Kesler, junior in bioengineering and member of Illini Prosthetics Team. “As students, we want to continue to develop our engineering knowledge so we can apply it to future problems we will encounter.”

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