Orem teen 3D-prints prosthetic hands for children in need
OREM, Utah (KUTV) — An Orem teen is getting national recognition for the work he’s doing helping people across the country and in his own home.
Joseph Huff was awarded the 4-H Youth in Action STEM Pillar Award for his use of 3D printing.
He’s been learning how to design and print using a 3D printer since he was 9 years old.
“I’ve always loved science,” Huff said.
Over the last four years, he’s focused his work on 3D printing to design and create prosthetic hands for children. Huff said:
I wanted a project that would touch someone’s life.
He partnered with a non-profit building prosthetic hands and the organization distributes them.
“I am just so impressed with him,” Andrew Hoff, Joseph’s dad said.
Andrew is Joseph’s motivation. He suffered a stroke when he was 25 and has minimal use of his right hand.
“I’ve been working on a tenodesis to help him regain the use of his hand,” Joseph said. He has a background in 3D printing to create a prosthetic for his dad.
“I’m working on a wrist-activated opening device,” he said.
As well as the national 4-H award, Joseph also received a $5,000 scholarship. He will present his work in Washington D.C. later this year.
