Today the NeuroRobotics Lab gained three new alumni: Adrian Porras, Dillon Crytser, and Wyatt Fullmer.
Adrian joined the lab in October 2020 to help us enhance human dexterity with a supernumerary robotic finger. Adrian was the first civil engineer to join our group and he brought with him a diverse and valued skillset. In addition to his own independent project, he helped with several other design projects in the lab and was the "go-to" guy for help with 3D-printing. Adrian also served on the NeuroRobotics social committee and helped bring together new collaborations and friendships in the lab. Moving forward, Adrian will be joining the University of Michigan's Department of Biomedical Engineering where he will be pursuing his PhD in the field of Neural Engineering.
Dillon Crytser joined the lab in May 2020 as a part of the Summer Program for Undergraduate Research. Dillon was the first aerospace engineer to join our group and he put his strong design skills to great use by building a upper-limb exoskeleton for the lab. He created an actuated power grasp and wrist flexion/extension device that can be used alongside clinical exoskeletons to improve patients' dexterity. Dillon also served on the NeuroRobotics social committee and as the primary mentor to Matt Ludlow. And last, but certainly not least, Dillon was the 2021 NeuroRobotics Summer Games Champion! Yard game after yard game, Dillon simultaneously showed us up while bringing us together. Moving forward, Dillon will be returning to West Virginia University to finish his BS.
Wyatt Fullmer joined the lab in May 2020 as a part of the Rural & Underserved Utah Training Experience. Wyatt was the first exercise science major to join our group. Wyatt's research project involved the use of conductive thread to make electromyography more viable in everyday use. During his time in the lab, Wyatt built several exciting new prototypes that expanded the lab in new directions. Notably, Wyatt's research marks the first lower-limb application from the NeuroRobotics Lab. Despite the unchartered territory, Wyatt excelled and created a working prototype that has already sparked two new collaborations in the lab. Outside of his research, Wyatt was a pleasure to have in the lab; he was always willing to lend a hand. Moving forward, Wyatt is returning to Southern Utah University to finish his BS, and then he will be going to medical school - hopefully at the University of Utah!
Congratulations to Adrian, Dillon and Wyatt for all of the amazing contributions you've brought to the lab. You will be missed and you will always be a part of the Utah NeuroRobotics Lab!