From left are Brent Nowak, executive director of aMDI, and student
Renzo Garza Motta. They were part of a team that designed a working
prototype of a scope that would improve screening tests for women.
Photo Credit:
University Communications
Students and staff members at Grand Valley's applied Medical Device
Institute (aMDI) developed a working prototype of a scope that would
improve screening tests for women, like a pap smear.
The prototype of the FemScope, which is similar to an endoscope and a
device that would replace the speculum during exams, was completed in September.
Brent Nowak, executive director of aMDI, said the idea behind the
device came from Marilyn Filter, an associate professor of nursing at
the University of Michigan-Flint and longtime midwife.
The FemScope team brought the technology to the team at UM Innovation
Partnerships to assist with licensing and commercialization, then
connected with aMDI after securing funding from the Michigan Economic
Development Corporation's ADVANCE grant program.
"Over the years, aMDI has built a reputation of being able to
take these early ideas and move them from invention to prototype to
demonstrate technical feasibility and business viability," Nowak
said. "The result is that it sets the stage for the entrepreneurs
to attract investors."
Renzo Garza Motta, an undergraduate student who is majoring in
electrical engineering, worked on the FemScope last summer. Garza
Motta, also a resident assistant, worked on prototyping, 3D modeling
and 3D printing of the device.
"As a team we went over multiple review iterations of the system
to allow for improvements on earlier designs to become closer to
designing and printing a minimal viable prototype," he said.
Garza Motta said he enjoyed his co-op experience at aMDI, adding that
completing a project different from his emphasis in electrical
engineering will help diversify his resume.
"I believe this project will showcase the versatility of my
skills to future employers. I am proud of the work done for this
project, and the level of satisfaction achieved with our client,"
Garza Motta said.
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