On October 9th and 11th, ROMP’s Social Media and Outreach Manager, Sydney Marshburn, visited Adams City High School to kick off an exciting year-long project in prosthetics and other adaptive devices. As a collaborative effort between the Bionic Project and the school, this initiative aims to link science education with real-world problem-solving. Throughout the 2024-2025 school year, 9th and 10th grade biology students will be diving into the world of prosthetics. They will gain first-hand insights from users like Marshburn while using the shared experiences to research & design solutions for the future.
Marshburn, an above-knee amputee and a passionate advocate for prosthetic access, shared her personal story with students. She spoke about her journey with limb loss, the technology that has enhanced her mobility, and the ongoing challenges faced by prosthetic users. Marshburn also discussed her involvement with ROMP, an organization dedicated to ensuring high-quality prosthetics to underserved communities, while highlighting the importance of access and adaptability in prosthetic design. "Watching students dive into the world of prosthetics is inspiring," Marshburn said. "They're not solely learning about technology and engineering; they are understanding the impact these devices have on people's lives. This assignment shows them that innovation can bring independence and empowerment."
The students’ project is comprehensive and ambitious, with multiple key dates throughout the school year. In October, prosthetic users like Marshburn were on-site to share their stories, likes & dislikes about current devices, and the needs that designers must consider. Moving forward, students will consult with bioengineers and industry experts in February to refine their research. In March, they will present preliminary designs to prosthetic users for feedback, culminating in final presentations in May.
The overarching goal is to educate students while fostering real-world ideas. With a focus on hands-on learning, the team at Adams City High School hopes that, by next year, they’ll be able to turn these innovative designs into 3D-printed prototypes. As a long-term vision, the school aims for its students to play a meaningful role in the prosthetics industry, contributing fresh ideas and creative solutions.
ROMP’s participation in this objective underscores our commitment to empowering individuals through prosthetic access and awareness. By sharing her personal experience and mentorship, Marshburn hopes to inspire the next generation of designers who will create the prosthetics of the future. For ROMP and Marshburn, this activity is more than a school assignment—it’s an opportunity to create genuine change by engaging young minds and fostering creativity in a field that changes lives daily.
