Biomedical Engineering E-Teams Without Borders

University of Alabama - Birmingham, 2008 - $31,500

This grant will develop e-teams with a focus on research and design opportunities for low-cost biomedical devices to aid people with disabilities in developing countries, focusing initially on Zambia. Two devices have been designed by graduated seniors in the UAB EWB and BME programs (a crutch and a rising wheelchair), and will be continued by e-teams.

Sophomores from the Science and Technology Honors program (STH) and the Business Honors Program (BHP) at UAB will collaborate with engineering seniors enrolled in a capstone design and product development sequence in Biomedical Engineering. Study abroad opportunities will exist with the UAB Engineers without Borders (EWB) program to perform research on need, markets, and the region. Other device needs will also be identified through this trip. E-teams will be responsible for engineering design and construction of prototypes, development of IP and patents, and introduction of the devices into the marketplace.