The Undergraduate Research Program would like to draw attention to some interesting and important research being conducted by one of our mentors, Dr. Steven Sahyun, and his students. Dr. Sahyun is currently conducting research into the use of 3D printers to create objects that can be used for tactile learning for students with visual disabilities who are in the fields of physics, math, and science. Using the design software, AutoCad, Dr. Sahyun has created multiple different 3D-printable objects, including a map of the University of Wisconsin Whitewater campus, and models of diffraction patterns. Students working under Dr. Sahyun have also designed some useful objects including an 8-dot Braille Slate and functional pulley system. These objects, when printed, provide the necessary tactile information for visually disabled students to learn important concepts that they otherwise may have trouble learning.
The files used to print these objects are all available for download on Dr. Sahyun’s website, which can be found here. After downloading, the files can be used with most 3D printers. The website offers in depth descriptions of the individual objects, and makes it easier for those students looking for these types of objects to find them.
It is easy to see the importance behind this research. Accessibility to learning is extremely important and Dr. Sahyun and his students have found an interesting and efficient way to help those students with visual disabilities. If you are interested in learning more, visit Dr. Sahyun’s website for UWW, where you can find information about Dr. Sahyun as well as some of his past and current research endeavors.