Suffolk Reporter

With the holiday season approaching, students from the Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) have collaborated with local nonprofits to bring joy to children with disabilities. The student groups 3D PATH (Printing and Assistive Technology for Health) and VIP BEAR (Bioengineering Education, Application and Research) have been working on adapting donated toys to make them accessible.

In early November, SAC Ballroom B was transformed into a workshop where students worked alongside faculty and organizations such as Makers Making Change (New York City Chapter), The Viscardi Center, Sartorius, Johnson & Johnson MedTech, and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals' ASPIRE Disability Inclusion Employee Resource Group. These organizations focus on creating affordable disability-accessible toys for children. The adapted toys will be distributed to families before the holidays.

BME Assistant Professor Mei Lin (‘Ete’) Chan expressed her enthusiasm: “thrilled with the level of participation and energy in the room. It’s all about mixing talent and passion, and doing something really good for the community while promoting our students’ professional networking for career development.”

A BME student summed up their motivation simply: “Why not help someone?”

For more information or to contribute, visit Facebook ‘Reels’ coverage or make a donation through the Stony Brook Foundation.

— Ellen Cooke