Students transform lives with MADE
At The University of Tulsa, engineering isn’t just about equations and blueprints; it’s about people. And few programs embody this ethos as vividly as the Make A Difference Engineering (MADE) program, which serves as both a class and a student club offering. For senior mechanical engineering student and Tulsa native Lillian Madhan, MADE represents an opportunity to blend technical expertise with creativity to improve lives. Her capstone project is proof of that.
David’s challenge: Innovation and independence
Meet David Nail, a 57-year-old Austin, Texas, resident living with severe multiple sclerosis. MS has confined David’s mobility to below his shoulders, leaving him dependent on a setup of devices mounted on flexible arm attachments above his bed. These include his phone, a call button with a 3D-printed bite-down switch, and a CamelBak flexible straw for water. Unfortunately, as his adjustable bed moves, the flexible arms shift, often leaving David unable to reach his essentials.
“When we heard about David’s situation, it was clear this was more than a design problem,” said Madhan. “It was about creating stability and independence for someone whose daily life depends on these tools.”
To address these challenges, Madhan and her team are redesigning the mounting system to ensure the devices stay accessible, even as the bed moves. The team is also exploring cutting-edge solutions like eye-tracking, face detection, and voice control to empower David through greater autonomy.
For Madhan, this project epitomizes the MADE program. “MADE is all about human connections,” she explained. “As students, it’s easy to get caught up in academics and forget the real-world impact of our education. MADE bridges that gap by enabling us to apply what we learn at UTulsa to projects that truly matter.”
For more than 15 years, MADE has tackled diverse challenges for the Tulsa community, from designing assistive devices for individuals with disabilities to creating fun and functional tools for the Little Light House, which serves local children with special needs. “Seeing the joy on someone’s face when they use a MADE creation is unforgettable. It reminds us why we chose this field,” Madhan added.
Guiding students through these projects is John Henshaw, UTulsa’s Harry H. Rogers Endowed Chair in Mechanical Engineering. He’s a beloved professor and advocate for applied learning in the College of Engineering & Computer Science. “Dr. Henshaw encourages us to think big and supports us every step of the way,” said Madhan. “His mentorship has been invaluable in shaping not just our projects, but our futures.”
Programs like MADE showcase the immense potential of experiential learning. As universities nationwide seek to elevate their impact, MADE serves as a model for combining technical skill and a compassionate heart. Find out more online at MADE at TU.
This project is also funded through the Gary Mote Bioengineering Fund.
