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In a heartwarming display of innovation and generosity, Tennessee Tech engineering students have transformed the life of 12-year-old Aubrey Sauvie, who was born without hands, through the creation of custom 3D-printed prosthetics. Aubrey, a passionate drummer from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, can now pursue her musical dreams with newfound freedom and stability, thanks to these specially designed prosthetic hands. This remarkable project, initiated as part of Tennessee Tech’s Tech Engineering for Kids program, showcases the power of technology and human compassion coming together to make a profound difference in a young girl’s life.

The journey began when Aubrey’s band director learned about Tech Engineering for Kids, a program facilitated by Professor Stephen Canfield and his team of engineering students. The program aims to design and produce custom assistive technologies for children with special needs in Middle Tennessee. For Aubrey, who previously struggled with conventional prosthetics that were not suitable for drumming, this initiative meant a chance to fully engage in her newfound passion. Through meticulous collaboration between Aubrey, her family, and the engineering students, multiple iterations of the prosthetics were crafted and refined to ensure they perfectly suited her needs.

Aubrey’s story is one of resilience and determination. Born as a triple congenital amputee with no arms below her elbows and a partially amputated left foot, she has defied expectations at every turn. Her mother, Jennifer Sauvie, reflects on the challenges they faced early on and the transformative impact of the new prosthetics on Aubrey’s daily life. Beyond drumming, these prosthetics offer versatility for other activities, demonstrating their adaptability and potential to enhance Aubrey’s overall independence and engagement.

The process of creating these prosthetics was a collaborative effort marked by dedication and creativity. Engineering students like Zak Henson and Branson Blaylock shared insights into the design and iterative refinement process, highlighting Aubrey’s active involvement in shaping the final product. Each stage of development—from initial design concepts to prototyping and testing—was guided by Aubrey’s feedback, ensuring that the prosthetics not only met technical standards but also catered to her personal comfort and functional needs.

The impact of this project extends beyond Aubrey’s immediate circle. It underscores the broader significance of assistive technology in improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Through their involvement in Tech Engineering for Kids, Tennessee Tech students have gained invaluable experience in applying their technical skills to create tangible solutions that positively impact their community. This hands-on approach not only enhances their academic learning but also instills a sense of empathy and responsibility towards addressing real-world challenges through engineering innovation.

Looking ahead, Aubrey’s journey serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Her aspirations to become an ultrasound technician reflect her unwavering determination to pursue her passions and contribute meaningfully to society. As she continues to grow and evolve, the impact of the prosthetic hands created by Tennessee Tech students will remain a testament to the power of innovation and compassion in transforming lives.