Engineering at its Best

Finding solutions to improve independence and quality of life

As part of a wider learning experience, Rutgers biomedical engineering students were immersed at Matheny, a non-profit organization in Peapack, NJ that is home to children and adults with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and other developmental disabilities. The students' goals: Find ways to improve their independence and quality of life.

After talking to staffers and students at Matheny and observing their activities, the Rutgers students designed medical prototypes, which they later presented and demonstrated. Projects included a motorized headrest for wheelchairs to give people with cerebral palsy a greater range of vision and reduce their reliance on caretakers; adjustable lateral support arms to give patients greater mobility; and a self-sterilizing intravenous pole for wheelchairs that is safe and retractable, emitting ultraviolet light to kill bacteria. 

Students gain real-life experience by identifying a problem and the solutions.