Meet Jessie Leith, 3D Printing and Technical Intern
Jessie Leith
In her final year of Biomedical Engineering
Hello! My name is Jessie Leith and I am in my final year of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Guelph. I grew up in the West End of Toronto, so it is great to be closer to home for my co-op term with Boundless Biomechanical Bracing.
Why Biomedical Engineering?
I went into Biomedical Engineering because I loved the combination of working with science and the creativity of design. I have always been interested in health care, and especially enjoyed my courses in anatomy and biomechanics. I was drawn to the field of orthotics because I think it brings together all of these elements, and can also allow me to incorporate my artistic side. It is inspiring to me to see how the work of orthotic clinicians and technicians can make such a difference in someone’s life, and I am very excited to be part of this rewarding work.
My Introduction to Orthoses! Fast-Paced & Hands-On
Working at Boundless is my first experience in orthotics, so it is a huge learning opportunity for me to see what this field is all about. I am starting out with learning the technical work of fabrication of orthotic devices. I’m still getting to know all the types of braces that are made in orthotics, and I never knew there was so much variety and customization. Within my first few days working at Boundless, I was immersed in a fast-paced, collaborative, and engaging work environment. The hands-on work building braces is lots of fun, especially when I know a device I’m working on is going to be helpful and bring a positive change to someone’s life.
The Right Learning Environment
Boundless provides a great environment for learning, and the staff are supportive and enthusiastic about teaching others. I am very excited to develop my skills and knowledge of orthotics, and to be part of the Boundless team!
3D printed exoskeleton of a foot used for a research and development project
Growth Within 3D Printing
I am also looking forward to bringing my past experience with 3D printing to a new application in orthotics. I will be working on a project to develop protocols and processes for the digital production of lower limb orthoses. This process involves a digital toolchain combining 3D scanning, modelling, and printing technologies. Through this research and development project, Boundless is engaged in the orthotic field’s growing interest in 3D printing technology.
3D printed exoskeleton of a foot used for a research and development project
Hiring Emerging Talent
We asked our Certified Orthotist Gordon Ruder why Boundless continues to hire emerging talent from Canadian and American Universities.
““Students bring great enthusiasm and diverse skill sets to our team which we can direct to advancing technical and clinical initiatives. The opportunity to work within our clinic also provides students what is a very unique hands-on look into the industry of custom orthotics in Canada today. Finally, we at Boundless see that by providing these opportunities to a new breed of professionals, it may create inter profession and technological collaborations as they continue on their pathways””