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Katie Donlin

3D lab build-out to print prosthetic limbs in consultation with Mayo Clinic and Limb Lab

2017 STEM Scholar
Byron, MN Byron Middle School

Katie’s Big Idea: Katie’s Challenge Project was centered around 3D printing of prosthetic limbs. This project engaged her students with innovative and cutting-edge solutions to real-world issues. Katie expected her students to be able to apply and document an engineering design process that included identifying criteria and constraints, making representations, testing and evaluation, and refining the design as needed to construct a product or system to solve a problem.

Katie hoped to connect her students and their products with real clients in their local community. By engaging with local experts at the Mayo Clinic and Limb Lab, this project gave her students the unique opportunity to work first-hand on a project with real-world applications.

Follow this link to learn exactly how to replicate this Big Idea!

Interesting Facts: Along with teaching STEM, Katie also teaches three middle school elective classes: Advanced Robotics, 3D Design, and Genius Hour.

In her own words: "As a further connection to a global community of makers, students would work with the e-NABLE organization to 3D print and build mechanical devices for patients in need."
On being a 2017 STEM Scholar: “There were a lot of things I really enjoyed about going to Western Kentucky for Scholar Week, and having this program be specific to Middle School science was so incredible – you just don’t get that anywhere else!”