As members of the 3-D Applications and Design Club, Ameen Alatabbe and Jakub Malinowski have set their sights on using the college’s 3-D printer to create prosthetics for people who have lost a hand.

Ameen, who is in honors courses and a member of Phi Theta Kappa, says the display model is made of plastic, but the final version will be made of carbon fiber.

“This is a stronger and lighter material and will be able to grab an object,” Ameen said.

Jakub assists with the creation of the models and oversees the fundraising for the club so members can continue their work on the prosthetics and offer them to people free of charge.

“It’s thrilling to be able to help people in need,” Jakub said. “We want to be able to change a lot of people’s lives.”

In the summer of 2019, Ameen traveled to Iraq to partner with the University of Baghdad’s Physics Department, Al-Mustansiriya University’s  Science Department  and the Human Rights Organization Um Al Yateem, to discuss the projects to create hands and arms to donate to those in need.  Moraine Valley in the fall of 2019 nominated Ameen for a Student Laureate award from the Lincoln Academy of Illinois.