19 Jul Harper Lapp, Frazier Rehabilitation Institute, Week 5

Got my volunteer ID!

Week 5 felt like a big shift in how I am contributing to KSCIRC. Instead of my usual observation sessions, I have found myself, over the past few weeks, shifting my attention to the engineering side of KSCIRC. I had dabbled in the engineering aspect here and there, with big thanks to Ines, who introduced me to the KSCIRC Engineering Service Lab and the restoration of faulty medical devices. But this week, my introduction to an entirely new engineering software allowed me to physically contribute to projects that participants may use one day during their at-home stimulation sessions. And not falling short of this accomplishment was that I received my TB clearance and my volunteer ID! The outpatient clinic is within arm’s reach!

SolidWorks 3D Printing

Taking “precise” measurements…

I would say I spent around 80% of my time this week acquainting myself with the SolidWorks program. SolidWorks is a CAD software that is used by engineers and creators to build 3D models. I had never opened it nor even heard of this software before, so my initial perception of it was that I would need to spend some time exploring its aspects and functions before directly diving into it. I had used a TinkerCAD software before, but SolidWorks definitely required a lot more of my brain cells. 

I eased into this unknown territory by watching a couple of tutorial videos, reading a series of SolidWorks for Dummies instructions, and following demonstrations to familiarize myself. After beginning to feel comfortable with my knowledge of the program, I practiced my new skills by taking measurements of the xStep pause box and attempting the recreation of it digitally. It is safe to say I was pretty proud of myself! It was more so the software that was uncooperative at times than it was my knowledge. The spinning wheel of death is the last thing I see before the entirety of SolidWorks crashes. 

Attempting to replicate the pause box.

Once I felt as if I had gained some understanding of the software, Aaron gave me a briefing on my main objective. I was to design a 3D printable case which would hold both the XStep and its pause box in a secure and accessible fashion. The final goal was to have this ergonomic design assist in the transportation and organization of this at-home stimulation with the participants and caregivers. Even though I am still learning the process of 3D design, I’m grateful for the chance to contribute to this project that may one day be put in place in actual research. 

KSCIRC Engineering Services Lab

My idea for how they would sit inside of the case!

In between my design practice sessions, Ines led me down to the engineering lab to continue our work on equipment restoration. We continued the lengthening of several ground wires, making sure they still contained a stable connection. We also tried to resuscitate electrode sensors which had been labeled as faulty by disassembling them and trying our best to identify where they fell short. 

Repairs to the Test

Working on the equipment in the lab was one thing, but the lengthened grounds and required repairs still had to be put to the ultimate test to determine if they could be put back in the game. I used the oscilloscope to evaluate how properly they were functioning. Some were resuscitated…and some fumbled their second chance. We may have lost a few, but nonetheless, it was interesting to go through the process of identifying faulty equipment, repair, and verifying the reassembled equipment.

Cleared for the Clinic

Mocking up the case.

This may have been the most anticipated moment of the week, some may say. After endless miscommunication, paperwork, and my TB test, I received my ID and clearance to begin volunteering in the outpatient clinic. It has truly been a journey.

I want to give a huge thank you to Kristin for assisting in my navigation of this entire process. Several communication hiccups arose between volunteer services and the clinic, and she was always present to advocate for me. I am extremely grateful for her patience and willingness to take time out of her schedule these past couple of weeks to help me. I’m eager to check out the clinical side of this work for my final week!

In the meantime…

This week, my host dad and brothers arrived back at home. Reunited again! I’m so grateful that they are back in town for my final week. 

Very cool art piece in Slugger museum!

My afternoons after work were usually spent working on my painting (I took a slight hiatus—so now I’m sort of rushing to finish it), or taking walks along the scenic routes (or…blindly bushwhacking) in the local parks. I want to thank my host mom, Brigid, for taking me to the local farmers’ market,  a Shakespeare at the Park show, and the carnival this weekend! Experiencing what the local community cherishes is wonderful. I was also able to take a trip down Louisville’s Museum Row today, visiting the Slugger, Muhammad Ali, and Frazier History museums! Ending the day, we stopped by Churchill Downs, where Louis completely obliterated me in the horse race simulation (give me a break–I didn’t know the controls). 

There being only one more blog left is surreal to me. I wouldn’t have wanted to use my summer in any other way than being over here in Louisville, Kentucky.