Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Research in Prosthetic Hand Development: Bridging Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering
- Conference
- Location
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Mississippi State University, Mississippi
- Publication Date
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March 9, 2025
- Start Date
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March 9, 2025
- End Date
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March 11, 2025
- Conference Session
- Tagged Topic
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Professional Papers
- Page Count
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10
- DOI
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10.18260/1-2--54204
- Permanent URL
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https://peer.asee.org/54204
- Download Count
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53
Paper Authors
Lianjun Wu Mercer University
Lianjun Wu is an Associate Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department, Mercer University, School of Engineering. He graduated with Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at the University of Texas at Dallas, his M.S. in Mechanical Engineering at Xi’an Jiaotong University, China, and his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering at Chongqing University, China. Before joining Mercer University, Lianjun Wu worked as Assistant Professor at Georgia Southern University. His research interests focus on soft robotics and smart materials.
Arash Afshar Mercer University
Dr. Arash Afshar is an associate professor at the School of Engineering at Mercer University. He holds an M.S. in Systems and Design and a Ph.D. in Solid Mechanics from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, as well as a B.S. and M.S. in Solid Mechanics from Amirkabir University of Technology in Tehran, Iran. His teaching and research interests encompass solid mechanics, with a focus on composite materials, finite element analysis, mechanical design, and machine learning. Before joining Mercer, Dr. Afshar taught at Saginaw Valley State University and worked as a design engineer in the oil and gas and injection molding industries.
Dorina Marta Mihut
Dr. Dorina Marta Mihut is an Associate Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Mercer University School of Engineering. She graduated with Ph.D. in Materials Science at University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Ph.D. in Technical Physics at Babes-Bolyai University, Romania; M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; and B.S. in Mechanical Engineering at Technical University Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Her teaching and research interests are in the area of materials science and engineering, thin films and coatings depositions using physical vapor deposition systems and related analysis, coatings for wear and corrosion resistance improvement, environmental protection, protection against electromagnetic interference, and antibacterial coatings. Before joining Mercer University, Dr. Dorina Mihut worked as Associate Professor at The University of Texas Pan American, TX, USA, and as Process Engineer at Ion Bond, IHI Group, USA.
Education
Ph.D Materials Science, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Ph.D Technical Physics, Babes-Balyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Cluj – Napoca, Romania
Belle Lin
Melanie L McElroy Mercer University
Jordi Riera Shephard Mercer University
Michael James Norenberg Mercer University
Michael James Norenberg is an undergraduate student earning his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at Mercer University.
Abstract
This paper presents an innovative undergraduate research project that bridges mechanical and biomedical engineering disciplines in the field of prosthetic hand development. A group of undergraduate students, majoring in mechanical engineering and biomedical engineering, are engaged in a collaborative effort to design, fabricate, and characterize actuators for prosthetic devices. The project aims to provide students with hands-on experience in interdisciplinary research while contributing to the broader goal of improving prosthetic technologies. The research focuses on fabrication and characterization of actuators that empower prosthetic devices. Throughout the project, students develop critical skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and interdisciplinary communication. They also gain proficiency in various tools and techniques relevant to both engineering disciplines, such as CAD software, 3D printing, mechanical testing, and technical analysis. The knowledge generated through this undergraduate research project is intended to contribute to Mercer University's "Mercer on Mission" program, which focuses on providing prosthetics to underserved populations. This connection to a real-world application enhances the educational experience by demonstrating the societal impact of engineering research.
Wu, L., & Afshar, A., & Mihut, D. M., & Lin, B., & McElroy, M. L., & Riera Shephard, J., & Norenberg, M. J. (2025, March), Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Research in Prosthetic Hand Development: Bridging Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering Paper presented at 2025 ASEE Southeast Conference , Mississippi State University, Mississippi. 10.18260/1-2--54204
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