With the holiday season approaching, students from the Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) have collaborated with student groups 3D PATH (Printing and Assistive Technology for Health) and VIP BEAR (Bioengineering Education, Application and Research). Their goal is to spread joy by making toys accessible for children with disabilities. This initiative involved teaming up with local nonprofits to adapt donated toys.
In early November, SAC Ballroom B was transformed into a workshop reminiscent of Santa's Workshop. Here, students worked alongside faculty members from BME 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 about the event: “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 also shared their motivation: “Why not help someone?”
The project has received coverage on Facebook 'Reels,' and donations can be made through the Stony Brook Foundation.
— Ellen Cooke