Over the past eight years, the awards have supported a wide range of projects across the arts, health, humanities and technology, reflecting the breadth of interdisciplinary work at �鶹ӳ����ý and the program’s commitment to addressing real-world needs through creative research and community partnership.

Each winning team will receive $25,000 to support projects that meaningfully integrate technology, demonstrate potential for sustainability and measure outcomes using a logic model framework. This year’s theme, “Tech for the Human Good,” emphasizes the power of arts, humanities, health and technology to create positive societal impact.

To qualify, teams must include at least one member from the College of Arts and Humanities, another �鶹ӳ����ý unit and a community partner. Submissions are evaluated on potential impact, sustainability and measurable outcomes.

Founded in 2018 by Chuck Steinmetz and Margery Pabst Steinmetz, the awards debuted as the Pabst Steinmetz Arts and Innovation Awards, becoming the first project supported by the couple’s joint foundation. Originally created to ignite research initiatives focused on arts and wellness, the scope of the awards has since broadened. Margery Pabst Steinmetz says the awards have the potential to drive innovation and lasting impact for both campus and community.

“This year’s applicant pool was especially strong and highly accomplished,” Margery Pabst Steinmetz says. “Over the last year, we made some changes to the award so more researchers and nonprofits could see how it applies to their work, but the mission remains the same: champion and grow interdisciplinary research that will have a lasting impact on our community and beyond.”

Learn more about the winning projects.

Limbitless Adaptive Sports League: Power Soccer

This project, led by Matt Dombrowski’05 ‘08MFA, professor of emerging media in the , in collaboration with Peter Smith ’05MS ’12PhD, associate professor in the , aims to develop a multiplayer adaptive sports video game for individuals who use power wheelchairs.

In partnership with �鶹ӳ����ý-based nonprofit Limbitless Solutions, the Mayo Clinic, Central Florida Dreamplex and Orlando Magic Dreamers, the project transforms competitive adaptive sports like power soccer — a sport specifically designed for individuals who use power wheelchairs — into an accessible virtual gaming experience.

The game uses an electromyographic controller to translate muscle movements into game commands, allowing players to compete while building skills that support independence, collaboration and social engagement.

“The project empowers wheelchair athletes by giving them a platform to compete, connect and develop skills in ways that weren’t previously possible,” Dombrowski says. “This award is deeply meaningful to me and to everyone at Limbitless, and we are sincerely grateful to the [Pabst Steinmetz Foundation] for recognizing and supporting this work.”

Dombrowski says his inspiration comes from former students, neighbors and colleagues who live or have lived with degenerative conditions. He and Peter Smith recently lost a respected research collaborator who profoundly shaped the project and inspired the game’s development. The collaborator introduced them to the world of power soccer, and the team proudly dedicates the effort to his memory.

“This project is special because it … supports undergraduate student creatives, brings athletes of all abilities into true partnership, and provides training and independence …” — Matt Dombrowski’05 ‘08MFA, �鶹ӳ����ý professor

“This project is special because it serves multiple communities at once. It supports undergraduate student creatives, brings athletes of all abilities into true partnership, and provides training and independence through Project Xavier, our hands-free power wheelchair control system,” Dombrowski says. “At its core, this work is about access, dignity and joy. Gaming and sport should be for everyone, across all abilities. No one should ever have to lose access to something they love.”

The initiative will host an annual eSports tournament, establish a scalable framework for adaptive sports games and provide professional development opportunities for interdisciplinary �鶹ӳ����ý students. Anticipated outcomes include increased social connection, physical activity engagement and overall well-being for participants, while advancing inclusive game design.

Collaborators:

• Paulette Belser, Orlando Magic Dreamers
• Matthew Dombrowski ’05 ‘08MFA, College of Arts and Humanities
• Cameron Gomes ’08, Central Florida Dreamplex
• Albert Manero ’12 ’14MS ’16PhD, Limbitless Solutions
• Björn Oskarsson, ALS Center of Excellence at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville
• Peter Smith ’05MS ’12PhD, Nicholson School of Communication and Media, College of Sciences
• John Sparkman ’13 ’15MS, Limbitless Solutions

More information about the project can be found .

Designing for Resilience: Integrating Art and Wearable Technology for Firefighter Health, Safety and Well-Being

Led by Kaitlyn Crawford, associate professor of materials science and engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, in collaboration with Ashley Taylor ’12, assistant professor of emerging media and graphic design in the School of Visual Arts and Design, this project partners with the Sanford Fire Department to design wearable technology that monitors firefighter heat stress while incorporating artistic design and educational components.

The team is integrating wearable sensors — developed in collaboration with Northwestern University — that track physiological indicators to detect heat stress. Custom graphic design elements and informational infographics will be incorporated to encourage adoption within the fire service. A design feedback loop with the local fire service in Sanford ensures the wearable designs align with firefighter culture and identity, promoting usability and long-term adoption.

“Through [the Pabst Steinmetz Foundation’s] support, we will be able to collaborate across disciplines to create critical technological advances … that result in positive societal impact.” — Kaitlyn Crawford, �鶹ӳ����ý associate professor

“The goal is to improve firefighter health and safety while respecting traditions and creating tools they’re excited to use,” Crawford says. “It’s an incredible honor to engage with our fire service community in this meaningful way. We are sincerely grateful to the [Pabst Steinmetz Foundation] for supporting this work. Through this support, we will be able to collaborate across disciplines to create critical technological advances and meaningful connections with the community that result in positive societal impact.”

The award will allow the team to scale the project across multiple regions and provide hands-on professional development opportunities for �鶹ӳ����ý students in design, engineering and research. By helping prevent cardiac events and other heat-related health risks, the initiative addresses an urgent community need while modeling how art, engineering and public service can intersect to improve lives.

An infographic illustrating the wearable device and project logic model is available .

Collaborators:

• Carter Clingan, a materials science and engineering undergraduate student at �鶹ӳ����ý
• Kaitlyn Crawford, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• David Giordano, a biomedical engineering graduate student at �鶹ӳ����ý
• Ronnie McNeil Jr., Sanford Fire Department
• Ashley Taylor ’12, College of Arts and Humanities
• Studio Pegasus students, College of Arts and Humanities

“I watched my first patient evolve before my eyes from a shy girl to an outspoken, charismatic and funny individual,” she says. “That was always who she was, but the prosthesis gave her more confidence to speak up and make her voice heard. It is something that I will cherish forever.”

Rivera’s journey at �鶹ӳ����ý, marked by interdisciplinary research and partnerships, allowed her to expand her education beyond the classroom. On Aug. 4, she began her third �鶹ӳ����ý degree, donning a doctor’s white coat as part of the White Coat ceremony.

A “double Knight” is a term used amongst those at �鶹ӳ����ý to describe students or alumni who have earned two degrees. The level of “knighthood” increases as the student earns more degrees, and in Rivera’s case, she is working her way toward becoming a triple Knight.

Rivera earned her �����������ǰ�’s degree followed by her �������ٱ��’s in biomedical sciences while helping to design prosthetic arms through Limbitless Solutions, a �鶹ӳ����ý-based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people through accessible technologies.

“We’re so proud of all of Viviana’s successes and it’s been a real privilege to be part of her journey,” says Limbitless Solutions Executive Director and Co-Founder Albert Manero ’12 ’14MS ’16PhD, who honored Rivera’s milestone by sponsoring her white coat. “Today we’re proud to stand with her as she prepares to take her next steps and is on her way to becoming a really incredible doctor.”

As she becomes part of the 121 students in the Class of 2029, Rivera says her time with Limbitless “was life changing in every sense.” She authored numerous publications, analyzed data from clinical trials and used airbrushes to customize arms for children.

“I am a strong believer that students can take charge in every academic institution to extract the most out of it and �鶹ӳ����ý has made that easy,” Rivera says. “�鶹ӳ����ý gave me the tools early on in my academic career to set me up with multiple connections that have made me a stronger applicant and person alike.”

Manero says about 500 students have participated in Limbitless since the partnership began 11 years ago. Rivera is only the second to go on to medical school at �鶹ӳ����ý.

Manero says students who work at the organization develop empathy through their intimate and sensitive patient interactions.

“Demonstrating that care and compassion in every single instance is something that we really prioritize for all our team and seeing her take ownership of that as a graduate student and as staff has really helped move the whole program forward,” he says. “We can see the huge impact it has had on our bionic families.”

As she begins medical school, Rivera says she’s looking forward to continuing to accumulate knowledge, grow her compassion for others and practice gratitude for all those who have helped her on her journey.

“In some ways, the white coat is not mine alone,” she says. “I never would have even believed that I could become a medical student without the massive support I’ve had from everyone. Every time I put on the white coat, I will be reminded that it stands for something bigger than just me.”

Electrical engineering doctoral student Ganesh Marasini tests real-life grid control operations in �鶹ӳ����ý’s — a training ground for rising engineers to collaborate, learn and help reimagine the energy grid of the future.

Hundreds of fans celebrated �鶹ӳ����ý men’s basketball’s upset win over No. 3 Kansas at Addition Financial Arena.

�鶹ӳ����ý broke ground on the transformational Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion at Lake Nona, which is anticipated to open in 2025-26. The new 90,000 square-foot home of the College of Nursing will help �鶹ӳ����ý graduate more highly qualified, compassionate nurses for the future.

A student practices with a manikin hand at �鶹ӳ����ý’s state-of-the-art in the College of Nursing, which is equipped with advanced medical devices and technology to train nursing students for clinical practice.

Since kicking off the outdoor season with a top 10 national ranking, the �鶹ӳ����ý women’s track and field team has clocked some of the world’s fastest times this year.

During the 10th anniversary of �鶹ӳ����ý Celebrates the Arts — a��multi-day festival honoring creative expressions — artists competed in Creative Clash, a live art event where they raced against the clock to create large-format artwork with markers in front of spectators at Seneff Arts Plaza.

A graduate walks across the stage during a Spring 2024 commencement ceremony that took place in Addition Financial Arena.

Three students dove into their studies while hanging out in their dorm room at the .

A Summer 2024 graduate beams with pride, holding his diploma as he walks across the commencement stage.

Knightro shows off a �鶹ӳ����ý specialty license plate while filming a new at Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy’s Studio 500. To Knight Your Ride, click here.

�鶹ӳ����ý students are conducting groundbreaking research at labs, paving the way for the future of space exploration and innovation.

Two fighter aircrafts flew over FBC Mortgage Stadium during the pregame ceremony for the Family Weekend football game, where the Knights defeated the Sam Houston State University Bearkats, 45-14.

Running back RJ Harvey crossed into the end zone for a touchdown during the Knight’s second home game of the season against Sam Houston.

A student guides TapeMeasure, �鶹ӳ����ý’s semiautonomous dog-like robot, up the steps of the John C. Hitt Library, demonstrating its advanced navigation capabilities for innovative research by students and faculty.

A member of �鶹ӳ����ý Air Force ROTC Detachment 159 salutes while being filmed on campus for , showcasing �鶹ӳ����ý as a place for those who dare to invent the future.

Annika Emmett, a health sciences student, and Limbitless Solutions intern and past bionic arm recipient, tries on a bionic arm, showcasing its advanced technology that empowers children with limb differences.

This year, �鶹ӳ����ý Downtown, in partnership with Valencia College, celebrates five years of educational excellence. The campus has welcomed more than 7,000 students and awarded 10,300 degrees since opening in 2019.

Two space scientists operate a rover on the world’s largest simulated lunar surface, located in �鶹ӳ����ý’s Exolith Lab. The lab’s Lunar Highland Regolith Test Bin was developed in partnership with the Florida Space Institute to support space exploration research.

Before the �鶹ӳ����ý Knights took on the Colorado Buffaloes, two cheerleaders interacted with a young �鶹ӳ����ý fan during Knight Walk at IOA Plaza, the lively pregame tradition where fans, the marching band, and the cheer and dance teams rally together to welcome the football team before kickoff.

�鶹ӳ����ý’s cheer team amped up the crowd as the Knights took on the University of Cincinnati Bearcats at FBC Mortgage Stadium.

Rapper NLE Choppa performed at Concert Knight presented by �鶹ӳ����ý Homecoming at Addition Financial Arena.

The cheer team hyped up the crowd with a high-energy stunt routine before students charged into the Reflecting Pond to catch homecoming rubber ducks at Spirit Splash.

Knightro surfed over a crowd of students at Spirit Splash, �鶹ӳ����ý’s biggest homecoming tradition.

During Spirit Splash, Knightro even secured a cowboy-themed rubber duck, celebrating this year’s theme: Cowboys vs. Aliens.

Knightro posed with a constellation-themed SpaceU cape in front of a giant moon backdrop at �鶹ӳ����ý’s 2024 SpaceU Luncheon, honoring the university’s ties to space exploration and innovation.

�鶹ӳ����ý President Alexander N. Cartwright stands next to rocket engines while touring facilities during a visit to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

This milestone has given Limbitless cause to celebrate. The organization is hosting a 10-year anniversary gala at �鶹ӳ����ý’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management Oct. 17. During the event, Limbitless alumni, partners and sponsors, �鶹ӳ����ý leadership, and bionic families will walk the blue carpet, dive into interactive experiences, hear inspiring stories and explore Limbitless’ vision for the future.

Bridging Art and Technology

At the heart of Limbitless’ mission is the use of creativity to drive innovation and enhance technology, highlighting the essential role �鶹ӳ����ý’s College of Arts and Humanities (CAH) plays across disciplines. This philosophy was advocated by Katie Manero ’09, a graphic design alumna from �鶹ӳ����ý’s School of Visual Arts and Design (SVAD). She encouraged Limbitless executive director Albert Manero ’12 ’14MS ’16PhD to engage the �鶹ӳ����ý arts community to enrich the organization’s mission.

“At Limbitless, we’ve seen firsthand how visual arts and design play a crucial role in driving innovation across disciplines.” — Matt Dombrowski ’05 ’08 MFA, Limbitless Solutions creative director

One of the first individuals Manero contacted was Matt Dombrowski ’05 ’08MFA, ��SVAD assistant director and associate professor of emerging media. In 2015, Manero sought Dombrowski’s assistance in recruiting student volunteers to paint Limbitless’ 3D-printed bionic arms, which the organization donates to children with limb differences. Dombrowski eagerly agreed and soon proposed an innovative concept that redefined the role of creativity at Limbitless: developing immersive video games that utilize electrical impulses from the muscles to teach kids to use their bionic arms. Since then, Dombrowski has served as the creative director at Limbitless.

“At Limbitless, we’ve seen firsthand how visual arts and design play a crucial role in driving innovation across disciplines,” Dombrowski says. “By breaking down the silos between science, technology and visual communication, we enable creativity to be a force for positive societal change. The empathy, storytelling and human-centered design the arts bring to the table are not just complementary — they are vital.”

This approach not only made the learning process enjoyable for bionic kids but also fostered a sense of empowerment and confidence among the users. What once felt like a routine medical appointment transformed into an interactive and playful experience.

“Our award-winning training games are designed to help bionic kids learn to use their prosthetics in a fun and safe environment. Creating that sense of safety is key to the successful adoption of these technologies, which could not be done without our amazing undergraduate students,” Dombrowski says. “I’m immensely proud of the dozens of SVAD and CAH students who have contributed not only to the development of these video games but also to the design of 3D-printed bionic arms and social advocacy. These students, now alumni, have gone on to their careers with an empathy-focused, creative mindset — skills they honed at both SVAD and Limbitless.”

Empowering Future Innovations

Over the past decade, dozens of arts and humanities undergraduates have played a crucial role in expanding Limbitless’ mission — whether by designing video games, painting bionic arm sleeves, creating accessible webpages or producing engaging social media content.

One of these students was Stephanie Valderrama ’16, an alumna in graphic design, and visual arts and emerging media management, who also served as one of the first student interns at Limbitless.

“I never felt I had to be an engineer to be part of the [Limbitless] movement. It was clear the creative side was just as needed as the engineering side,” Valderrama says. “At Limbitless, I learned to put human emotions and connectivity at the forefront of what I designed. You weren’t just looking at a bionic arm that opened and closed; you were also looking at the design that reflected the personality of the child receiving it.”

Valderrama now works as a senior product designer at Disney Parks and Experiences in Lake Buena Vista, where she uses user interface and user experience design (UI/UX) to create digital applications for the company.

“I never thought I would end up here. At Limbitless, I learned I loved receiving real-life feedback, which is eventually why I transitioned to product designing. In my role now, we design something and complete user tests to evaluate the product in different environments,” Valderrama says. “I never would’ve known that was something I valued if it wasn’t for my experience at Limbitless.”

Another former Limbitless intern and studio art alumna, Anna Stafford ’19, was drawn to Limbitless for the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

“It made a lot of sense to intern at Limbitless because I was able to use my skills in a professional setting alongside people who brought different skills to the table,” Stafford says. “That made me really excited because I felt there was a space for me to use the skills I felt like I had to be using, but I could use them in a way that was going to help people and directly impact the world.”

Stafford has applied the skills she gained at Limbitless to her current position as a user experience designer at Cherry, a fintech company that serves the healthcare industry.

“Two huge things I learned both from the College of Arts and Humanities, and Limbitless was the ability to adapt to unfamiliar environments,” Stafford says. “It really has paid off for me professionally because I’ve been able to jump into my career much more seamlessly than I thought possible.”

CAH and SVAD are committed to supporting creatives through real-world industry experiences like those provided by Limbitless. By building on the rich history of traditional arts practices, arts and humanities disciplines prepare students to meet contemporary challenges with innovative solutions. The collaboration between �鶹ӳ����ý and Limbitless has shown numerous students the power of creativity in their work. Like Valderrama and Stafford, many �鶹ӳ����ý and Limbitless alumni are now harnessing creativity to make a positive impact.

This year’s winning projects were centered on a theme of unleashing potential, focusing on amplifying the power of knowledge and discovery through the intersection of arts and wellness. These project teams join ten other Pabst Steinmetz Foundation Arts and Wellness Innovation award recipients since its inception in 2018.

The awards were founded by Central Florida’s Pabst Steinmetz Foundation to recognize teams building sustainable models for arts and wellness innovation. The teams, composed of �鶹ӳ����ý personnel and community organizations, involve collaboration with the College of Arts and Humanities, at least one partner from the university, and a community organization, to promote cross-disciplinary collaboration and research.

“This year we were seeking initiatives that are closely aligned with �鶹ӳ����ý’s ‘unleashing potential’ strategic plan,” says Margery Pabst Steinmetz, who, along with her husband Chuck Steinmetz, co-founded the foundation and initiated these annual awards at �鶹ӳ����ý. “The selected projects not only met the criteria, but also reflected exciting, sustainable models. In addition to strengthening �鶹ӳ����ý’s research and creative activity, they will bring more access to … community groups that have great potential to shine.”

In Fall 2023, teams from across the university submitted proposals for the two awards. Winners were chosen for being interdisciplinary, sustainable, community focused and demonstrating innovative development in their research.

Pegasus PlayLab: Daring to Dream

�鶹ӳ����ý’s Pegasus PlayLab is an annual festival dedicated to developing plays by emerging playwrights for performance at Theatre �鶹ӳ����ý. Responding to the theme unleashing potential, �鶹ӳ����ý’s and will partner with Central Florida Community Arts (CFCArts) to make the Pegasus PlayLab process accessible to young adults with and without disabilities.

This collaboration will build on the 2022-23 Pabst-Steinmetz Building a Shared Home project, where students were brought together with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities in partnership with Best Buddies and devised a new play around experiences of home and community in June 2023.

Adapting the model of �鶹ӳ����ý’s Pegasus PlayLab, theater artists with and without disabilities will have the opportunity to submit works in progress with the theme of unleashing potential to be developed during a weeklong series of workshops and performed at �鶹ӳ����ý in early Summer 2024 as part of Pegasus PlayLab. Participants will explore theater, music, writing, visual art and other forms of storytelling to weave their personal experiences into a new play that engages with themes of personal growth, overcoming adversity, forging new paths and embracing change.

The project’s second phase will connect to inclusive artists on a national scale by partnering with �鶹ӳ����ý’s Office of Student Accessibility Services and CFCArts. Project facilitators will bring the previous processes and discoveries to the New London Barn Playhouse in New Hampshire. The Barn Playhouse has partnered with their local school district’s student support services to create theatrical experiences for students with disabilities in their community.

“By partnering with Student Accessibility Services and CFCArts, and engaging diverse communities in Central Florida and New Hampshire, our initiative will further raise national awareness about disabilities, empower participants to build self-esteem and confidence, and offer a model for … creative practices at �鶹ӳ����ý and beyond,” says Pegasus Professor Julia Listengarten.

Researchers from the College of Arts and Humanities, Student Accessibility Services, and CFCArts include:

• Listengarten, artistic director and graduate program director in the School of Performing Arts.
• Vandy Wood, associate professor in the School of Performing Arts
• Sage Tokach ’22MF, guest artist, director of education at New London Barn Playhouse in New Hampshire
• Terrance Hunter, chief executive officer with CFCArts
• Adam Meyer, director of Student Accessibility Services
• Keri Watson, associate professor in the

Limbitless Journey: ALS Games for Health Creative Jam

Limbitless Solutions, a �鶹ӳ����ý-based nonprofit, is dedicated to increasing accessibility through creating accessibility devices with training games to empower children and adults in the disability community while also enhancing the workforce through its student scholar internship and research experience program.

Building on the work of the initial phase, the Limbitless Journey: ALS Games for Health Creative Jam initiative aims to harness the power of a custom-designed video game and game controller, which utilizes muscle flex in the temporalis muscles to enhance the lives of individuals living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The second phase focuses on generalizable functionality and expanding the reach of the original project to improve quality of life outcomes for ALS patients.

In partnership with healthcare professionals from the Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, the overarching goal of the project is to refine the hands-free wheelchair control system for electric wheelchairs and improve the gamified training that is critical to learning to drive/navigate using the custom EMG-powered hands-free interface in a low-stress, safe environment.

The project will also incorporate a game jam event hosted at Limbitless Solutions. Participants in the game jam will be invited to design levels or mini games that align with the training objectives guided by the medical staff. A panel of judges consisting of potential users and Mayo Clinic medical staff will evaluate the creations. The game jam will promote awareness and understanding of an individual’s challenges with ALS, helping to bridge the gap between accessibility, gaming technology developers and end-users.

Researchers from the College of Arts and Humanities, College of Sciences, , Mayo Clinic Jacksonville and Limbitless Solutions include:

• Matt Dombrowski ’05 ’08MFA, associate professor of emerging media
• Peter Smith ’05MS ’12PhD, associate professor of game and interactive media
• Björn Oskarsson, associate professor of neurology, Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, Jacksonville director of the ALS Center of Excellence
• Albert Manero ’12 ’14MS ’16PhD, executive director of Limbitless Solutions
• John Sparkman��’13 ’15MS, associate director of Limbitless Solutions

Utilizing 3D printing and in-house manufacturing, Limbitless develops and advances its bionic arm design, reducing the weight and cost compared to traditional devices. Patients also personalize their bionic arms by customizing interchangeable magnetic “sleeves” as tools for their personal expression. Powered by philanthropy and corporate partnerships, Limbitless Solutions provides these bionic arms to children at no cost to their families through clinical trials with hospitals nationwide. Limbitless Solutions operates as a uniquely interdisciplinary environment with opportunities for more than 50 undergraduate students across many of �鶹ӳ����ý’s colleges, from art to medicine and public relations to computer science.

Led by �鶹ӳ����ý faculty members Matt Dombrowski ’05 ’08MFA with �鶹ӳ����ý’s and Peter Smith ’05MS ’12PhD with �鶹ӳ����ý’s , Limbitless also creates its own video games and uniquely leverages video game-based training that converts muscle flexing into the video game character’s actions.

In addition to the stage presentation at this year’s conference, Limbitless also had the unique opportunity to have an art exhibit in Adobe’s “Creative Park.” The reimagined Creative Park brought conference attendees together in new ways with intentional networking neighborhoods, community activations hosted by sponsors, customer spotlights, and a showcase on how purpose-driven creativity is making a positive impact around the world. The Limbitless bionic arms, with the unique interchangeable cosmesis designs, were represented to showcase the design and integration of art and technology. �鶹ӳ����ý SVAD undergraduate students and past Limbitless bionic kids were also featured in the display.

This is the fourth time Limbitless Solutions was recognized at Adobe MAX for its unique approach to providing affordable, multi-gesture bionic prosthetics for children through innovative technology. In 2018, Dombrowski, Limbitless creative director, and Limbitless Co-founder and Executive Director Albert Manero ’12 ’14MS ’16PhD, were invited to speak at a breakout session focused on non-profit STEAM research. Dombrowski returned to Adobe MAX in 2019 to co-keynote EduMAX with then SVAD undergraduate student and Limbitless art intern Anna Stafford ’19BFA. That same year,�� Limbitless’ Bionic Kid comic and bionic arms were , sparking what would eventually become a celebrated partnership between the two organizations.

In 2020, Adobe committed a $100,000 grant to support plans for expanding the Limbitless Lab at �鶹ӳ����ý — a program-changing gift. Limbitless Branding Director Mrudula Peddinti ’18 co-led a session at the all-virtual Adobe MAX that year. Since then, Adobe has continued to support training and access for students. The application of generative technologies allows for enhanced concept art generation and digital storytelling in a powerful way, something Limbitless hopes to continue to implement as it serves more patients. Dombrowski, named one of Adobe’s 2023 Creators to Watch, pushed to incorporate these technologies since Adobe Firefly’s initial beta testing launch was featured in Forbes.

“With Firefly, even non-traditional artists can contribute to creative conversations”, Dombrowski says. “That’s incredibly valuable for an organization like ours that creates something both highly technical and highly emotive.”

Limbitless Solutions believes that generative AI can support more creative and expressive storytelling, adding digital effects previously difficult to bring to life.

“At Limbitless we like to say we don’t view collaboration as just working with companies. We work with people,” Dombrowski says. “We are grateful for the people who have joined us in amplifying the voices of students and … communities [in need] through the power of creativity and technology. We look forward to continuing that creative journey into the future.”

“We are so grateful to be awarded this Disney Grant and the opportunity to grow our program and impact,” says Albert Manero ’12 ’14MS ’16PhD, executive director of and a �鶹ӳ����ý aerospace and mechanical engineering alum. “This will enable our program to provide more opportunities that can unleash the potential of our students and create magical moments for our bionic kids and families.”

Disney’s investment helps local organizations, like Limbitless Solutions, continue making big differences in the lives of many Floridians and their families in areas including education, workforce development, arts and entertainment, homelessness, hunger and more. It is also another step forward in Disney World’s more than 50-year history of helping Florida thrive.

As one of 19 recipient organizations, Limbitless Solutions was recognized for its work to address the need for affordable, multi-gesture bionic prosthetics for children born without an arm. Through its student scholar program, Limbitless has supported more than 325 students since 2014 through innovative technology and developing a more experienced and professional workforce. In 2021, Limbitless Solutions also opened a new research lab in �鶹ӳ����ý’s Research Park dedicated to expanding its bionics research and undergraduate research.

To further empower the workforce of tomorrow, Limbitless will leverage the grant from Walt Disney World to grow its student scholars program by an impressive 30% — welcoming an additional 16 . This expansion reflects Limbitless’ unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of professionals.

Limbitless Solutions currently operates as a uniquely interdisciplinary environment with opportunities for students across many of �鶹ӳ����ý’s colleges — creating innovators across teams from art and medicine to public relations and computer science. Limbitless additionally invests in these students through a cohort focused on professional branding and workplace-focused topics, in addition to projects where they are engaged with creating expressive bionics, accessibility projects, research and storytelling.

“Being a part of the Limbitless team has pushed me in ways I didn’t even know I was capable of, and I will always be grateful for this experience,” says Emily Peterson, a .

Based at �鶹ӳ����ý, Limbitless uses 3D printing and in-house manufacturing to develop and advance bionic arms for children — focused on reducing the weight and cost compared to traditional devices, in addition to accessibility devices and video game training platforms. Led by �鶹ӳ����ý faculty members Matt Dombrowski ’05 ’08MFA with the and Peter Smith ’05MS ’12PhD with the , Limbitless accessibility technology uniquely leverages video game-based training that converts muscle flexing into the video game character’s actions.

Limbitless is excited for the impact the grant will have on the program by expanding the growth of its student workforce development program and providing enrichment opportunities with corporate and industry partners that enable job-ready students to be competitive in their fields.

We’re grateful for the support of Disney and our partners in growing our undergraduates into dynamic innovators and professionals and impacting current and future bionic families.

The event welcomed heroes from across Florida to the Governor’s Mansion in Tallahassee to honor them for exhibiting courage, perseverance, and self-sacrifice.

This included police officers, first responders, and veterans who had risked health and safety to serve and protect their communities and country, as well as members of the community who have dedicated themselves to helping others overcome adversity through nonprofit efforts, adoption and foster care, careers in education, and advocacy.

Founded in 2014, Limbitless Solutions is a nonprofit and direct support organization at �鶹ӳ����ý dedicated to increasing accessibility and empowering children and adults in the limb difference community.

“We were honored to be recognized at the event and to represent our program and the university,” Manero says. “We were surrounded by an incredible group of heroes, and it was an honor to hear how they are making our communities stronger.”

The stories of all heroes in attendance were displayed throughout the Governor’s Mansion as a tribute to their civic service and self-sacrifice. Manero was recognized for the work does to deliver 3D-printed bionic arms to children around the U.S. at no cost to their families. Most recently, Limbitless Solutions announced it’s launching a new clinical trial in partnership with Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital to provide more bionic arms for children locally and nationally.

Manero received his��doctoral degree��in mechanical engineering and his���������ٱ��’s��and�������������ǰ�’s��degrees in aerospace engineering from �鶹ӳ����ý. He also holds courtesy research appointments in �鶹ӳ����ý’s����and Mayo Clinic’s neurology department and is a member of �鶹ӳ����ý’s��Biionix��faculty cluster initiative.

Manero attended the event with Limbitless Solutions co-founder John Sparkman ’13 ’15MS, vice president and head of research and development of technology.

Sparkman received his �����������ǰ�’s and �������ٱ��’s degrees in mechanical engineering from �鶹ӳ����ý. In his role at Limbitless Solutions, Sparkman leads the electrical and mechanical designs for the prostheses pre-production, in addition to research and development.

To learn more about Limbitless Solutions, visit .

The selection was announced Tuesday by the Public Interest Registry, the nonprofit that operates the .ORG Family of Domains.

The .ORG Impact Awards, which are in their fourth year, were created to honor and celebrate outstanding mission-driven organizations and individuals working to make the world a better place.

In total, 947 organizations and individuals submitted entries this year from more than 68 countries across seven award categories, including Community Building, Environmental Stewardship, Health and Healing, and more.

As the winner of the Health and Healing category, Limbitless Solutions will receive a $10,000 donation to support their groundbreaking work creating and donating personalized 3D-printed prosthetic arms to veterans, first responders, and young children, and more.

“Our team at Limbitless Solutions is honored to receive this global recognition from the .ORG Impact Awards,” says Albert Manero ’12 ’14MS ’16PhD, Limbitless Solutions president and co-founder. “This award is a true testament to our hardworking �鶹ӳ����ý staff, faculty and students who are pushing the boundaries for the next generation of bionics. We are grateful for the award and the support as we continue to scale our impact.”

Based at �鶹ӳ����ý, Limbitless provides hands-on learning experiences for undergraduate students across multiple disciplines to advance its system of bionic devices and training platforms. Using 3D printing and in-house manufacturing, Limbitless develops and advances the bionic arms, reducing the weight and cost compared to traditional devices.

Limbitless Solutions partners with hospitals nationally to conduct clinical trials to evaluate the functionality and the effect of its upper-limb prosthetics on quality of life, how children’s brains develop using prosthetics, and the role of video game-based training for learning more complex bionic controls. The training uniquely leverages video games by converting muscle flexing into the character’s actions and is led by �鶹ӳ����ý faculty members Matt Dombrowski ’05 ’08MFA with �鶹ӳ����ý’s and Peter Smith ’05MS ’12PhD with �鶹ӳ����ý’s .

Participants also personalize their bionic arm by customizing interchangeable magnetic “sleeves” as tools for their personal expression. Powered by philanthropy and corporate partnerships, Limbitless provides these arms to children at no cost to their families. A enabled Limbitless to scale production, increase the undergraduate workforce development participation, and develop a new program to include bionic arms for adults.

“We are honored to celebrate the deeply impactful champions for change who have won a 2022 .ORG Impact Award,” said��Jon Nevett, president and CEO of Public Interest Registry in a . “These inspiring organizations and individuals work incredibly hard to put their mission first, improving the lives of so many, and bringing meaningful change to communities across the globe. We are thrilled to uplift their tireless efforts and to celebrate their dedication to making the world a better place. Each organization is an emblem for what .ORG stands for, and we are humbled by the work of all the .ORGs that submitted for the awards, were named finalists, or are winning an award today. Congratulations, and thank you for being the best of our .ORG Community.”

The research was performed in collaboration with Limbitless leadership and faculty and specifically focused on life improving technology for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and limb differences, such as congenital limb amputations.

The students, Shea McLinden and Katherine Tran, received the recognition at the Southern Biomedical Engineering Conference held recently in New Orleans.

McLinden, a senior, and Tran, a junior, are undergraduate research students at , a nonprofit organization and direct support organization at �鶹ӳ����ý.

McLinden received first place in the undergraduate category for her presentation on using training video games to improve people’s use of bionic arms and hands-free wheelchairs. Tran received third place in the undergraduate category for her presentation on developing a custom silicone insole orthotic, or foot support, for an individual born with a congenital limb abnormality affecting their foot. The wheelchair game research was funded through a grant from the Pabst Steinmetz Foundation. The undergraduate student research was also supported with funds from the Paul B. Hunter and Constance D. Hunter Charitable Foundation and the Albert E. and Birdie W. Einstein Foundation.

Video Game Training

McLinden presented two oral presentations, both discussing the design and effectiveness of video game training for Limbitless’ bionic arm and hands-free wheelchair project. The projects use Limbitless’ video game-based training that converts muscle flexing through electromyography (EMG) into the game character’s actions. The development of the training game research is led by �鶹ӳ����ý faculty members Matt Dombrowski ’05 ’08MFA, with �鶹ӳ����ý’s , and Peter Smith ’05MS ’12PhD, with �鶹ӳ����ý’s .

McLinden’s presentation, titled “Utilizing EMG And Eye Tracking For Serious Game Control For Populations With Neurodegenerative Diseases,” highlighted new human computer interfaces being developed that leverage eye-tracking in combination with electromyograph (EMG ) sensing muscles contracted in the jaw to control a video game that trains patients to use a patented hands-free wheelchair control system (Limbitless’ Project Xavier) for patients unable to use a traditional joystick, including ALS patients.

The video game training system is designed to train users to operate the wheelchair, with players navigating the game’s interface using only their eyes before practicing the chair’s operation using clenches of their temporalis muscles. Students from a variety of majors work with research staff and faculty for the gamification and development. The accessible interface supports patients learning to control the system in a low-stress and safe environment prior to driving the system.

Continuing patients’ independent mobility is thought to support greater perceived autonomy and dignity throughout disease progression. The EMG and eye-tracking technology will be evaluated in an upcoming research study, building on the results of the prior clinical trial with the Mayo Clinic.

McLinden also presented the team’s research on training efforts to accelerate learning to use a bionic arm, titled “Improvement in Muscle Control via Serious Gaming for Prosthetic Usage.”

McLinden and her fellow research members engaged with �鶹ӳ����ý students on campus to collect valuable data regarding their participation and perspective for application to improve the training for prosthetic users through gamified simulation using surface EMG.

The surface EMG was attached to the patient’s forearm to discretize their muscular signal into a correlated action within the video game.

“The work is important because prosthesis users often reject their devices due to inability to master them immediately, among other factors including weight of the prosthetic and potential social stigma,” McLinden says.

Developing a Custom Foot Support

Tran’s project was titled “Developing Custom Advanced Orthotic to Improve Biomechanical Gait for Congenital Symbrachydactyly.” The project aimed to develop a non-invasive technique to aid in improving foot stability and minimizing discomfort symptoms in patients with congenital foot abnormalities. The device works to adapt a unique foot shape to a traditional shoe to improve gait and traction. The project involved manufacturing techniques including mold casting, 3D printing and silicon molding.

The work enabled Tran to immerse herself in medical research, patient care, and use hands-on manufacturing tools and techniques.

“Working with the patient was an insightful experience, as I was able to work hands-on to create something special and impactful,” Tran says. “The project has shown me the impact of assistive technology and the greater meaning of my work.”