Shawanee’ Patrick is passionate about giving everyone the ability to walk as comfortably and effectively as possible through the use of walking assistive devices, such as prosthetics(假肢) and orthotics. A Ph.D. student in the J. Mike Walker ’66 Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University, Patrick was inspired to help develop better walking assistive devices by the partial paralysis(瘫痪) of her grandmother.
Her research focuses on developing and refining walking assistive devices by determining what inputs are important and outcomes that could improve the design process. “I like to say my research is about how to help people who can’t walk be able to walk, and how to help those who do walk, walk better,” Patrick said. “That’s kind of my aim. Walking improves the quality of life, so it’s really important we help those facing challenges when we can.”
The COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges to Patrick’s research as well. Patrick’s research — which works with human studies — had been delayed several times by the health and availability of her subjects. Patrick said the process of conducting her research includes investigating the user’s needs from various angles. From the perspective of the user themselves to their physician and family members, Patrick said it is necessary to build a complete picture of them.
Patrick is determined to make a positive impact on the lives of the people she works with, as well as the thousands more like them. Although the specific project she is working on will not be going to market, Patrick said she is hopeful that the research she is conducting could one day influence the development of a product that makes its way to those who could greatly benefit from the support.
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