In recent months, members of the NJIT Prosthetics Club have repaired a toucan’s beak, restored mobility to a paralyzed dog, and created hands-on opportunities for fellow students to learn how to make prosthetic devices for people and animals. 

The club, which attracts many biomedical engineering students, has been around since 2017. But the club went dormant and only made a comeback in Fall 2022. “Last year was all about trying to restart the club, and we’re here and thriving more than ever,’’ said fourth-year biomedical engineering major and former club president Anjeli Santillan.  

Among the club’s remarkable achievements is the tale of Wico the Toucan. Because of a shattered beak, Wico struggled to eat and drink. Wico found hope and healing, thanks to a new beak that club members made using a 3D printer. “So far I’m very happy with the help I received,” said Wico’s caretaker, John Paterek, who is an alumnus from 1995. 

Another success story is that of Luna, a shelter dog with severe paralysis in her back legs that caused her to move by scooting, which was horribly uncomfortable for her. The club stepped in, donating a custom-made wheelchair designed by previous members. The wheelchair was a game-changer, allowing Luna to regain her paralyzed legs in full; she can now run freely. 

Santillan said these successes have ignited a new sense of purpose and enthusiasm, especially among first-years. “The first step is having enthusiasm,” added public relations manager Melissa Lozada, a third-year biomedical engineering major. 

The club had been working on a robotic hand prosthetic for human use, expanding their impact from pets to people. “[It’s] something new, something cool,” Santillan said, also envisioning skills-building field trips to broaden member horizons. “I would like to be able to take some students to either a maker fair or a conference where it demonstrates prosthetics and exoskeletons.”  

“This semester we’re starting something new, where we’re having [new members] build prosthetics hands to be sent out to clients,” Santillan said. The club extends warm invitations to potential new members, and they emphasize that no experience is necessary to contribute to the cause. 

“[Students are] free to join us at any time,” Santillan emphasized. They can follow the club’s bright dream on its Instagram @njitprosthetics!