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University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences and Sebastian Middle School Students Collaborate to Create Adaptive Equipment and Prostheses for Patients
Using emerging technologies, such as 3D printing, the graduate and middle school students worked together to tackle real-world patient problems
St. Augustine, FL – December 12, 2017 – Students from the University of St. Augustine Health Sciences (USAHS) and Sebastian Middle School in St. Johns County, Fla., have spent the past several months working together to address real-world patient problems in creative and personalized ways.
This partnership between Masters of Occupational Therapy students at USAHS and students at Sebastian Middle School focused on an innovative STEAM program which emphasizes the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The students worked together with emerging technologies, such as 3D printing, to create assistive technology, adaptive equipment, orthoses, and prostheses for real-world patients.
“Collaborative learning, advancing cultures of innovation, and redesigning learning spaces are key educational focus areas for our university,” said Dr. Elisabeth McGee, assistant professor at USAHS. “USAHS and the St. Johns County School District are dedicated to providing students with active learning environments that utilize digital elements to promote problem-based learning. This partnership provides a unique opportunity for students to collaborate, design, and engineer innovative solutions to address real-world problems.”
Examples of the students’ creations include:
- Reflective glasses for a patient with Glaucoma to improve vision;
- A gas sensor alert system for a client with Alzheimer’s, allowing them to safely return to cooking; and
- A cane attachment that will provide more stability for a client who has a history of falls.
“The partnership with the University of St Augustine for Health Sciences has provided our students the opportunity to apply Science and Math concepts whilst collaborating with college students on medical needs in our community,” said Wayne Hill, principal, Sebastian Middle School.
For more information, visit usa.edu or contact Rachael Lighty at [email protected].
About the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) is a graduate institution that offers degree programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, education and health science, as well as continuing education programs. Founded in 1979, USAHS has locations in St. Augustine and Miami, Florida; San Marcos, California; and Austin, Texas. USAHS is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.
USAHS completed a rigorous assessment by B Lab®, an independent non-profit organization that serves as a global movement of people using business as a force for good, and became a Certified B Corporation®. USAHS is a member of the Laureate International Universities network and Laureate Education, Inc. is a Certified B Corp® – the largest corporation ever to become a B Corp™. For more information about USAHS visit www.usa.edu.
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