Revolutionary Redesign: Biomedical Engineering Student Enhances Air Force Precision

In the high-stakes world of the United States Air Force, where every detail can mean the difference between triumph and tragedy, a team of unsung heroes—anthropometrists—works tirelessly to ensure the health, safety, and combat readiness of military personnel. These experts wield their knowledge like a weapon, crafting equipment and systems that fit the diverse bodies of today’s fighting force, boosting mission success with every precise measurement. But what happens when the tools they rely on fail? Enter Aidan Saylor, a biomedical engineering student from the University of Cincinnati College of Engineering and Applied Science, who’s taken a co-op role and turned it into a game-changer for the Air Force.

"My goal was to create a solution that improves the stability and durability of military anthropometry tools. For years, measurement inconsistencies have been a challenge due to flimsy, unstable bases that compromise accuracy. I wanted to design something that service members could rely on. Knowing that my work will contribute to safer, more dependable measurements for those who serve is incredibly rewarding," said Saylor. "Beyond the technical work, this co-op experience has been truly amazing. It has opened doors to so many new opportunities and helped me determine the direction I want to take my career. Seeing the real-world impact of my work has solidified my passion for biomedical engineering and reinforced my drive to innovate in this field."

Saylor’s journey from classroom to combat support highlights the power of fresh perspective in a field where precision is non-negotiable.

"Aidan quickly became a valuable member of our team at STI-TEC. His ability to identify and solve engineering challenges, particularly in redesigning the anthropometer base, significantly improved the stability and durability of an essential tool used by the USAF anthropometry group,” said Jen Whitestone, Chief Scientist at STI-TEC. "His CAD and prototyping skills, combined with a practical approach to problem-solving, directly contributed to the success of the project. His work will have a lasting impact beyond our team, benefiting other DoD anthropometrists as well."

The impact of Saylor's work extends beyond the USAF, as his design will be shared with other Department of Defense (DoD) anthropometrists, setting a new standard for military readiness tools.

"Aidan's work with STI-TEC is a perfect example of the impact one co-op student can have during a co-op experience.," remarked Raechel Scarchilli, Assistant Professor and Saylor’s co-op advisor. " He made a significant engineering contribution, while also discovering some of his passions and the direction he wants to take in his career. This is exactly what we prepare our students for, and hope that they discover while on co-op."

With this new anthropometry base, the future of military anthropometry looks brighter, promising enhanced safety and effectiveness for those who serve.

Featured image at top: Aircats AFROTC at UC Spring 2024 Commencement. Photo by Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand.