Students bring 3D tech to medical community

By Ashley-Michelle Thublin
Richmond County Schools

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ROCKINGHAM — For the mainstream market 3D Technology is still 15 years out, but for Richmond County Schools its already common knowledge.

Eighteen students were recently introduced to GeoMagic Sculpting during the district’s fifth Summer of Kainotomia Camp. In just two short weeks, their understanding of 3D design increased, specifically showcasing how it applies to careers in the medical industry.

Submitted photo

Submitted photo

“I was at a Technology Advisory Committee at Richmond Community College, and it was mentioned that medical jobs are some of the the hottest out there,” said Richmond County Schools’ Director of Informational Technology, Jeff Epps. “So, I thought this summer would be a great time to show students how 3D design relates to the medical community.

During camp, students examined different parts of the body then designed their own prosthetics. They tweaked wrists, hands and feet to improve “their patient’s” quality of life.

For example, one student made swim fins, while another created a glove to grip a bottle, and a third student designed a hand to climb walls.

“I made a hand prosthetic for those who may have wrist problems,” said 10th Grader Chris Terry.

Richmond Early College’s Nicholas Reynolds explained his prosthetic featured claws that could be used in combat.

“It’s more about exploring the ideas they have,” said Chad Osborne, who co-founded the Summer of Kainotomia Camp. “We’re all about giving them permission to try ideas and fail.”

Submitted photo

Submitted photo

Richmond Senior High School 11th Grader DaShawn Peterkin agreed.

“This is one of my favorite things to do during the summer because they give us a few guidelines then let us be as creative as we want.”

But, don’t think their new initiative is over just because camp is complete.

Epps and Osborne have already begun reaching out to Richmond County’s medical community. They’re searching for problems that students can solve by marrying medicine with 3D technology.

This curriculum will also be added to the G.R.E.A.T. 3-D Saturday Academy during the school year.

“We keep putting more tools in the toolbox,” said Osborne. “Technology is an investment not only in hardware but also in our students.

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