Shrewsbury student wins national STEM award for robotic ankle brace
SHREWSBURY - A Shrewsbury High School sophomore has been named a National STEM Champion by the National STEM Festival. Nichelle Thinigar is one of two students in Massachusetts to win the award.
"I'm really glad that I guess this issue is getting recognition and obviously I am glad that my hard work has resulted in something," Thinigar said.
Nichelle's invention for stroke patients
She is being recognized for her invention, an ankle brace that uses robotics to help people who have suffered from strokes to use their feet.
"So basically, an ankle brace that can help post-recovery stroke patients even after their rehabilitation period," Thinigar said.
It is an issue with a personal connection for Thinigar.
"My grandfather suffered from a stroke a year before I was born but he still has this specific gait impairment that makes it hard for him to lift his foot," she said. "So, I created a prototype of a design that could potentially help him in the future."
WBZ meteorologist Jacob Wycoff surprised Thinigar with the news. Nichelle's proud parents were also there for the presentation.
"I'm so happy that my hard work resulted in something," said Thinigar.
She said it is the ability to create life changing solutions that fuels the passion behind her work.
"If I have created something, done something, used my creativity to do something that can actually help even just one person live a better life, or save their life, I think my life would have been worth it," Thinigar said.
Next stop for Thinigar is the National STEM Festival in Washington, D.C. in March of 2025.