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    Biomedical Engineering Education

    (F-230) Mobile Sports Science Labs to broaden the reach of STEM education

    Friday, October 13, 2023
    3:30 PM – 4:30 PM PDT
    Location: Exhibit Hall - Row F - Poster # 230

      Presenting Author(s)

    • AH

      Alex R. Hemmat

      Student
      Fairfield University
      Littleton, Colorado, United States

    • CL

      Conor D. Landry (he/him/his)

      Student
      Fairfield University
      Fairfield, Connecticut, United States

      • Co-Author(s)

    • AL

      Amy K. Loya, PhD

      Visiting Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering
      Union College, United States

      • Primary Investigator(s)

    • JD

      John F. Drazan, PhD

      Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering
      Fairfield University, United States

    Introduction::

    Youth participation in STEM activities during their free time encourages and inspires the next generation to pursue careers in the fields of science technology, engineering, and math (STEM). One limitation of existing programs, such as robotics clubs, is that they preferentially engage youth who are already interested in STEM. In effect, most youth who sign up for these programs are those who are already interested in spending their free time building a robot. Therefore, the students most in need of an introduction to STEM, those without a pre-existing interest, are not engaged by these existing programs. 




    The objective of this project is to develop an innovative approach to engage youth in STEM outside of school by situating STEM learning within sports. Situating STEM learning within youth sports promises to broaden access to informal STEM learning to new populations of youth who are not presently accessible to STEM intensive programs such as robotics.  




    Materials and Methods::

    In collaboration with 4th Family, a grass-roots non-profit based in Albany, New York we developed a series of tools to replicate the NBA rookie combine. Devices included: a jump plate, pushup counter, 5-10-5 shuttle drill and lane agility. Additionally, we also developed a toe tapping device for improved lower body coordination. We designed this suite of tools such that they were low-cost, easily manufactured, easy to use, and maximized durability for longevity. Our design is centered around 3D printed structures, which house Arduino microcontrollers for measurements.  




    Our design philosophy is centered on demonstrating that science and engineering is relevant to youth’s passion for basketball. Each of our devices were designed such that the operating principles of each were both visible and comprehensible to youth participants aged 11-15 years old. Following development and manufacturing, these devices were shared with 4th family for widespread deployment across the country. 




    Results, Conclusions, and Discussions:: Results:
    4    th Family has taken our kit for implementation all over the country and it has been used in places including Hawaii, Texas, Utah, Arizona, Washington, and Philadelphia. Specific events include NBA rookie combine in Chicago, NBA summer league in Las Vegas, and NBA All-star weekend in Salt Lake City. In total, this combine has been used by over 7000 youth all across the country. 4th Family has communicated that this kit has been transformative and has led to partnership with the NBA for future STEM programs.  
    Conclusions:
    Based on visual responses and engagement levels from the students that got to use these devices, there is substantial interest in STEM from these students, especially the students that had a stronger athletic background rather than an academic background and interest. We have received very positive feedback from not only the students but from schoolteachers, coaches, parents, and other organization leaders that saw our devices in action. 
    Discussions:
    This project is still on-going. This project not only has an ongoing relationship with our sponsor, 4th Family, but has also been used by the NBA, WNBA, and has made multiple appearances at NBA Summer League. Future plans include continuing to improve our devices, perform in IRB approved studies to evaluate specific impacts, and create new devices that can have a focus around other sports so that we have a stronger reach with students that have a stronger background in a sport that is not basketball.



       



     


    Acknowledgements (Optional): : We would like to acknowledge 4th Family and the Sapere Aude Fund.

    References (Optional): :