by Kevin McLaughlin
Sophomore Brooke Dunefsky recently became one of six students in the United States to win the Massachusetts Institute of Technology 2020 THINK award, which entitles her to receive mentors and funding for her project, entitled “A Self-Adapting Device that Utilizes Neuroplasticity for Rehabilitation of Stroke Victims,” from MIT.
“I wanted to make something that was more accessible and engaging to stroke victims everywhere,” Dunefsky said. “This device helps stroke patients by giving them upper limb stroke rehabilitation that is easy to use and provides feedback on the patient’s progress, that is efficient and affordable.”
Dunefsky also said that her device is equipped with video game systems to keep patients engaged. The device can also be brought home and still be monitored by doctors and nurses.
“I intend to embed sensors in the handle that will detect the patient’s range of motion while using the device. This will then prompt a micro-controller guided by an algorithm to adjust the resistance that the device creates.”
Dunefsky has been passionate about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) since elementary school.
She said, “I have always been very passionate about STEM since it allows for a very cool intersection of technical knowledge and creativity.”
Dunefsky was able to tour the labs at MIT, while she talked with professors about her project. Dunefsky added “and I got to learn a lot more about their cutting edge research.”
In the future, Dunefsky will receive guidance from the professors, and funding to continue innovating.
“I would love to incorporate this device into stroke recovery, and would hope to help people during a difficult time in their lives.”
