Hands For Hope

Since 2019, I have dedicated my time as a student and then as a teacher to improving the lives of people with hand and upper extremity amputations through the organization Hands for Hope. I have helped rebuild independence and confidence for many people by developing and building prosthetic hands, allowing them to regain newfound mobility and functionality. This unique organization, spearheaded by me alongside other like-minded students, has enabled me to acquire design, fabrication, engineering, and business skills while fostering relationships with peers and colleagues and cultivating a meaningful community.

I collaborate with both peers and mentees to design, fabricate, and assemble 3D-printed prosthetic hands using the engineering design process. Developing these prosthetic hands requires a fast mastery not only of technical skills, but also effective marketing and communication to ensure we can effectively connect the technical product with communities and patients in need. I find deep personal reward in utilizing my passion for engineering to create change in communities in need.

I began in Hands for Hope as a middle-school student, and as I entered high school, I became a leader, mentor, and teacher for those both younger and older within the program. The greatest feeling as a student was putting the final joint on a hand and seeing the fingers articulating and recognizing how this would dramatically and forever alter and improve the life of an amputee. Watching my students have this same experience strengthens our connection to each other and the greater cause we are working for. As a mentor, I expanded the program to encapsulate more than just prosthetic hands. We now partner with local community centers and living facilities to create solutions that improve the quality of life in small but significant ways. I am energized by our growth and impact and excited to continue to do more!