Biomedical Engineering Students Innovate to Address Safety Challenges in Sports and Daily Life

Students and researchers in biomedical engineering at the University of Cincinnati are actively working on innovative solutions to improve safety in sports and everyday activities. Their lab, the Human Injury Research and Regenerative Technologies Lab, serves as a hub for projects aimed at preventing injuries like concussions and fractures through advanced engineering techniques. In this lab, students analyze the impact forces associated with sports equipment such as helmets and shoes, design safer gear, and simulate real-world collisions with robotic dummies. One notable project involves testing helmet materials with a sophisticated modal impulse hammer, which replicates the forces experienced during impacts. Additionally, the lab explores how hairstyles, such as thick locks, can influence concussion protection, collaborating with the College-Conservatory of Music. The team is also developing safer transportation methods for fragile premature infants, addressing critical concerns in neonatal care. Through these projects, students aim to both prevent injuries and improve repair strategies, informing safer sports practices and medical interventions. The research extends to the design of custom prosthetics and protective gear, utilizing modern fabrication tools like 3D printing. Their work shares a common goal: to mitigate injury risks and enhance safety for athletes and vulnerable populations alike. This ongoing research not only advances biomedical engineering but also holds promise for practical applications in sports safety, medical treatment, and neonatal transport.