Outreach

Engineering Discovery Days 2026

Katie News, Outreach , ,

The University of Washington College of Engineering continued its long‑standing tradition of Engineering Discovery Days in 2026, bringing hands‑on STEM experiences to K–12 students, teachers, and families from across the state.

The UW Biomechanics community participated with the exhibit “Biomechanics Assemble! From Exoskeletons to Cytoskeletons,” showcasing how we study movement and forces across scales.

Visitors explored interactive demos including MyoDino, where muscle activity controlled a computer game using wireless EMG sensors, and a Grip Strength Challenge using a digital dynamometer to test and compare strength. Participants also engaged with 3D‑printed ankle–foot orthoses (AFOs) and hand models, learning how biomechanics and design support mobility and function.

It was a fun and impactful opportunity to spark curiosity, share our research, and inspire the next generation of engineers.

Reimagining Mobility Aids: Mia Hoffman Presents at APTA Pediatrics 2025

Katie EarlyMobility, News, Outreach, Presentation , , , , ,
  • Two presenters stand in front of a large projection screen displaying the session title “Reimagining Mobility Aids: Collaborative Innovations Between Engineering and Physical Therapy” at the APTA Pediatrics 2025 Conference. The slide includes names, credentials, and affiliations for Mia Hoffman and Bethany M. Sloane. The background shows patterned carpet and a dark curtain framing the screen.
  • A selfie-style photo taken from the front of a large conference room, showing two presenters in the foreground and a large seated audience in the background.
  • A presenter stands beside a podium with a laptop and water bottles, holding a microphone and a small device while speaking. The podium has “Broadmoor” signage, and the background shows a patterned carpet and plain wall.
  • Two presenters stand at the front of a conference room. One is holding a microphone and a colorful book while speaking to the audience. The other stands near a podium with a laptop. The room has patterned carpet and neutral walls.

Mia Hoffman of the Neuromechanics & Mobility Lab, along with Bethany M. Sloane, Postdoctoral Scholar at the University of Washington’s Center for Research and Education on Accessible Technology and Experiences (CREATE), presented a session at the APTA Pediatrics 2025 Conference titled “Reimagining Mobility Aids: Collaborative Innovations Between Engineering and Physical Therapy.”

The session explored how interdisciplinary partnerships can transform traditional mobility aids into creative, user-centered solutions. Real-world examples included 3D-printed joystick adaptations, sensor-integrated systems, and community loaner programs. Attendees engaged in design thinking activities and left with practical tools to reimagine mobility for young children.

National Biomechanics Day 2025

Katie News, Outreach , ,

On April 23, 2025, the Neuromechanics & Mobility Lab celebrated National Biomechanics Day (NBD) at the VA Puget Sound. Katie Landwehr-Prakel, alongside fellow biomechanics researchers with the Ingraham Lab, and Center for Limb Loss and MoBility (CLiMB) hosted over 75 students from a local high school. NBD is a world-wide celebration of Biomechanics in its many forms for high school students and teachers.

Katie, Siena, Annika, and Zijie hosted a station called “MyoDino: A Muscle Powered Dinosaur Game”. While discussing how muscle activity is measured in our research, students could play a “no-internet” Google chrome dinosaur jumping game on a computer, controlled by a stick-on arm surface EMG sensor.

Switch Kit Workshop at Boyer Clinic

Katie News, Outreach , , , , ,

Steele Lab members, Mia Hoffman, Riley Bernas, and Katie Landwehr led a “Switch Kit” Workshop at Boyer Clinic in Seattle, WA.

The workshop aimed to teach Pediatric Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Educators how to use a new system we have designed with local families and clinicians for inclusive play options in early intervention. The Boyer Team also got to try a variety of adaptive switches Mia, Kate, and Alisha made.

Stay tuned for more on this project!

  • A diverse group of individuals enthusiastically raising their hands to high five and connect their hands to activate a DIY switch.
  • A conference room filled with people seated and standing around a large table while engaging with games and music on an iPad via DIY switches.
  • In a conference room, two women engage in hands-on work with DIY adaptive switches and an iPad.

Switch Kit Workshop at Kindering Redmond

Katie News, Outreach , , , ,

Steele Lab members, Mia Hoffman, and Katie Landwehr led a “Switch Kit” Workshop at Kindering in Redmond, WA.

The workshop aimed to teach Pediatric Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Educators how to use a new system we have designed with local families and clinicians for inclusive play options in early intervention. The Kindering Team also got to try a variety of adaptive switches Mia, Kate, and Alisha made. Stay tuned for more on this project.

A woman standing next to a table with toys and a projector screen. The slide says "Co-designing a Switch Kit for Digital Play"
People of different backgrounds gathered around a table, interacting with toys and an iPad.