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Medical Care

Kennesaw State Grad Transforms Healthcare Tech Through Design

2024-12-10

Vanessa Young's story is a remarkable one, transitioning from the demanding world of U.S. Army combat medic to becoming a student researcher at Kennesaw State University. This journey has set her on a path to reshape healthcare technology through human-centered designs.

Transforming Healthcare through Human-Centered Designs

From Army to University

Vanessa Young joined the Army as a combat medic after high school, driven by a desire to help others. After completing training at Fort Sam Houston, she was deployed to Afghanistan in 2019. There, she faced the high-pressure environment of providing medical support. "Afghanistan was very demanding," Young said. "But it taught me how to think on my feet and manage a team under stress."Upon returning, she worked as a paramedic and continued her medical training. During this time, she realized her passion for problem-solving and systems thinking. A visit to Kennesaw State University confirmed her decision to explore the field of engineering.

Academic Journey at Kennesaw State

Graduating this week with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Young has achieved significant success. She earned second place at the 2024 ASME IMECE Undergraduate Expo in Portland, Oregon. Her presentation focused on integrating human-centered design principles with technology to create safer, more efficient healthcare environments.Young has been working in the lab of Ayse Tekes, an associate professor in the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology. She is focused on developing compliant joints and soft robots and designing affordable 3D-printed lab equipment for undergraduate engineering courses. "I feel fortunate to work with Vanessa, who has a deep passion for research and an ambitious vision of developing biomimetic exoskeleton designs inspired by nature," Tekes said.Through her work in the lab, Young's medical background led her to biomimetic joints and assistive devices. Recently, their research team collaborated with Georgia Tech on biomimetic knee joints for exoskeletons. "We're designing soft, flexible devices that better support natural motion, shifting from rigid joints to adaptive, personalized assistive technologies," Young said. "We're also using compliant mechanisms to create these biometric designs. This is a rapidly emerging field that offers a fundamentally new approach to engineering design."Young presented at the ASME iMechE International Engineering Conference in Portland, Oregon, and received valuable feedback. She was recognized with a second-place award at the conference's Undergraduate Expo. "It was surreal winning second place at such a prestigious competition," Young said. "It showed that all the hard work we put into this project was paying off. I was excited to present in front of such a global audience. It fueled my passion and gave me more drive to keep pushing forward."

Future Plans

After graduation, Young will pursue a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering. She plans to continue her focus on developing soft, flexible designs for assistive technologies. "My long-term goal is to expand the field of biomimetic design, especially in creating adaptable, human-centered healthcare devices," Young said. "When I graduate, it won't feel like a completion; it will feel like I'm just getting started."Vanessa Young's story is a testament to the power of determination and the pursuit of one's passions. Through her work, she is making a significant impact on the field of healthcare technology.

Dublin, Dec. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The “Australia Construction Equipment Rental Market, By Region, Competition, Forecast and Opportunities, 2019 - 2029F” report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering. This market, valued at USD 0.87 Billion in 2023, is expected to reach USD 1.14 Billion by 2029, with a CAGR of 4.62%. The Australia construction equipment rental market has witnessed significant growth, driven by a strong construction sector and ongoing infrastructure projects. Renting equipment provides a cost-effective solution for many businesses, as it eliminates the need for large capital expenditures on machinery that may only be needed temporarily.

Key Market Trends: Shift Towards Technologically Advanced Equipment

In Australia, there is a notable trend towards eco-friendly and sustainable construction equipment. Rental companies are making substantial investments in modern, technologically advanced machinery. This includes equipment equipped with telematics, GPS tracking, and other Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, which offer real-time data on equipment usage, performance, and location. For example, in 2024, CASE Construction Equipment launched the new D-Series mini-excavator range in the Australian market. This range offers a complete line-up of machines from 1 to 6 tons, equipped with the latest technology, features, and attachments to meet diverse customer needs. The versatile, agile, and reliable D-Series mini-excavators, manufactured in Italy, provide up to three auxiliary circuits and advanced controls, such as electro-hydraulic and load-sensing systems. This gives them unparalleled adaptability and a wide array of attachments.Another aspect of this trend is the increased demand for eco-friendly and sustainable solutions. Environmental sustainability is a growing concern in Australia, and rental companies are responding by offering electric and hybrid machines. These machines reduce emissions and noise pollution. In 2023, LiuGong Australia launched a new range of electric equipment, including wheel loaders, excavators, and aerial work platforms. These products are designed to achieve sustainability goals through reduced emissions, lower maintenance costs, and improved efficiency. The new electric models offer advanced features and deliver significant energy savings and environmental benefits.

Region Insights: New South Wales & Australian Capital Territory (NSW & ACT)

In 2023, New South Wales & Australian Capital Territory (NSW & ACT) was the dominant region for construction equipment rental in Australia. This region has seen substantial demand due to its extensive infrastructure development, urbanization, and ongoing large-scale construction projects. Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, serves as a major hub for construction activity, driving a significant portion of the demand for rental equipment. The region’s continuous growth in both residential and commercial sectors, along with government-funded infrastructure projects, has fueled the need for efficient, flexible construction equipment.NSW & ACT also benefit from a variety of industries, including mining, agriculture, and renewable energy. All of these industries contribute to the demand for specialized machinery. The mining sector, with a heavy presence in regional areas, requires heavy-duty equipment for extraction and transportation activities, which increases the need for rentals. Similarly, agricultural projects in rural areas often necessitate machinery for land preparation, planting, and harvesting, driving demand for compact equipment such as skid steer loaders and backhoe loaders.The infrastructure boom, particularly in urban areas like Sydney, has been a significant driver for the rental market. Major road construction, public transportation expansions, and urban redevelopment projects require various types of machinery, such as excavators, dozers, and motor graders, all available through rental services. These projects are often short-term, making rental equipment an attractive option for contractors looking to minimize costs without sacrificing operational efficiency.Government initiatives, including investments in public infrastructure, further contribute to the rental demand in the region. The push for more sustainable and eco-friendly construction practices has led to greater adoption of energy-efficient and low-emission equipment, shaping the rental market landscape. Technological advancements in equipment, such as telematics and automation, are also becoming more prevalent in NSW & ACT, enhancing the appeal of renting advanced machinery.The combination of urbanization, infrastructure development, and diverse industries has solidified New South Wales & ACT as the dominant region for construction equipment rental in Australia in 2023. This trend is expected to continue as major projects progress and the demand for flexible, cost-effective solutions in construction grows.

Key Market Players

Seven Group Holdings plays a significant role in the Australia construction equipment rental market. They offer a wide range of rental services and equipment to meet the diverse needs of customers.Kennards Hire is another key player, known for its extensive fleet of construction equipment and reliable rental services.Delta Rent also contributes to the market with its quality equipment and efficient rental solutions.Onsite Rental Group provides on-site rental services, ensuring that equipment is available exactly where it is needed.United Rentals Australia offers a comprehensive range of rental options, catering to different project requirements.Brooks Hire Service is known for its specialized equipment and excellent customer service.Proquip Rental & Sales Operations provides both rental and sales services, giving customers more flexibility.Porter Group is recognized for its high-quality equipment and competitive rental prices.CJD Equipment offers a diverse range of construction equipment for rent.William Adams is a trusted name in the industry, providing reliable rental equipment and support.These key market players contribute to the growth and development of the Australia construction equipment rental market through their offerings and services.

The Howard Frankland Bridge in Tampa, US, is set to open by early 2025, marking a significant achievement in infrastructure development. This massive bridge, with a surface area that makes it Florida's largest, is being constructed with the help of building materials company CEMEX. CEMEX has supplied approximately 141,000 cubic yards of concrete and nearly 104,000 tonnes of aggregates, ensuring the bridge's durability and sustainability.

Enhancing Hurricane Evacuation Readiness

The project aims to enhance hurricane evacuation readiness, which is a critical aspect of strengthening the region's infrastructure resilience and safety. Spanning approximately three miles over Old Tampa Bay, the new bridge is designed to improve connectivity. Its design includes a bicycle and pedestrian trail and express lanes, and provisions for future light rail integration. These features will not only benefit commuters but also provide a more sustainable and accessible transportation option for the Tampa and St. Petersburg areas.

Importance of CEMEX's Contribution

Cemex US East Region regional president Jeff Bobolts expressed pride in working on the Florida Department of Transportation's critical infrastructure initiatives. His words highlight the company's dedication to supporting projects that have a meaningful impact on public safety and resilience. By supplying top-notch building materials and meeting the needs of customers, Cemex sees its efforts as instrumental in meeting the high demands of the Howard Frankland Bridge project.

Cemex's involvement in this project is not limited to Tampa. In August, they supplied more than 56,000 cubic yards of sustainable building materials for the Mission Rock development in San Francisco, California. This shows their commitment to providing sustainable solutions across different regions. Earlier in May, the company, along with Mission Possible Partnership, partnered with the Bezos Earth Fund to analyze decarbonisation strategies at its Balcones cement plant in Texas. These initiatives demonstrate Cemex's efforts to contribute to a more sustainable future.

The Howard Frankland Bridge is not just a physical structure; it is a symbol of the region's progress and development. Its opening will bring significant benefits to the Tampa and St. Petersburg areas, improving transportation and connectivity. With its durable and sustainable construction, it is set to serve the community for years to come.

Improving Connectivity

The bridge's design with a bicycle and pedestrian trail and express lanes provides multiple transportation options. This will encourage more people to choose sustainable modes of transportation, reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality. Additionally, the provisions for future light rail integration open up possibilities for further expansion and improvement of the transportation network.

The three-mile span over Old Tampa Bay connects two important areas, facilitating the movement of people and goods. It will play a crucial role in reducing travel times and improving economic activities in the region. The bridge's design and features are a testament to the importance of infrastructure development in modern society.

As the Howard Frankland Bridge approaches its opening, it is clear that it will have a lasting impact on the Tampa and St. Petersburg areas. It represents a significant investment in the region's future and a commitment to providing safe and efficient transportation options.