Biomedical Engineering Student Gains National Attention for Findings

2016 Oct 11

Andrew Saylor of Reading , PA, a sophomore in the newly accredited biomedical engineering program at Widener University, worked with Dr. Jonathon Akins, assistant professor, this summer on a prototype that helped identify optimal placement of sensors to be used as an electronic prosthetic alignment tool for providing a better fit for prosthetics.

"As it is now, anytime someone with a prosthesis needs an adjustment they would need to see a clinician, which would involve a series of tests to see where the fit is best," Akins said. "Our tool uses sensors in two directions to provide more consistent data for clinicians to more easily find the best fit."

Saylor, who presented at the Summer Research Symposium at Widener in September, worked to find the perfect spot to find the data and have measurements appear on an electronic measurement device. Saylor's poster presentation "Electronic Prosthesis Alignment Tool: Application of Magnetometer Sensor," received the best poster for the engineering division.

Widener University is a private, metropolitan university that connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention, leadership development and experiential learning are key components of the Widener experience. A comprehensive doctorate-granting university, Widener is comprised of eight schools and colleges that offer liberal arts and sciences, professional and pre-professional curricula leading to associate, baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degrees. Visit the university website, www.widener.edu.