MAKING A DIFFERENCE BY DESIGN

Some people might consider STEM-based, scientifically innovative classes places where data and numbers take priority over empathy and service to humanity. However, the Pope Prep Innovation & Entrepreneurship program sees the possibilities of STEM careers differently. Perhaps it is because our mission states that Pope Prep will support students and graduates for “lives of learning and service, according to the Gospel” that Mrs. Jennifer Dye, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, developed a program that begins with empathy and ends with improving lives through innovation. Throughout last school year, freshman Adaline Hamlin ’25, a student new to the Pope Prep Hand in Hand Options program, attended Pope Prep Genius Hour club after school, a club created by Dye that allows students to explore, research, and develop STEM projects. During one of the initial meetings, Adaline was challenged by Dye to think of a problem that exists in our school for which she could help engineer a solution. Dye explained, “Adaline has an amazing heart. As we were walking around the school brainstorming about potential problems we could solve, Adaline immediately thought of her friend who had trouble balancing her lunch tray, which would cause her food to slide. After that, we spent the next few weeks drawing, planning, and building a prototype of her idea to create better stability on the lunch tray. Her first prototype was created using straws and a larger cup.” Adaline tested the prototype in the cafeteria, and she shared her design and ideas for improvement with the Pope Prep 3D printing club members, who helped her print a more permanent and cleanable option. Now, Adaline’s design can be shared with other schools that may have students with similar challenges. Schools can easily 3D print the design and use it on their trays. When Mrs. Dye realized the potential of Adaline’s idea and design, Dye decided to help her enter the Statewide Design Challenge, which challenged

Making a Difference by Design written by Jennifer Smith students to “consider how they can improve their school, community, or world by re-imagining an existing physical space, system, product, or service so that it is more equitable, accessible, or efficient.” In May, Adaline Hamlin earned the “STEM for All Award” at the Statewide Design Challenge with her project called, “Stop the Slide: a Lunch Tray for Students with Disabilities.”

Adaline shared, “I felt surprised to see my project win the award. It made me feel happy because my whole family is so proud of me.”

Since May, Adaline has been featured on Nashville’s News Channel 5 and in several print publications, including the Tennessee Register. She wants to share her design with other schools and institutions with populations that might benefit from using the adaptable design.