Giving Back

Paul Brenner, a graduate student in computer science and engineering and mentor for a team of 10 undergraduate engineers, was awarded the 2006 Rodney F. Ganey Collaborative Community-based Research Mini Grant by the Center for Social Concerns. The grant, given to University researchers in order to stimulate partnerships between Notre Dame and the community, is being used to enhance the effectiveness of a number of local outreach projects. For example, Brenner and the undergraduates, who have named themselves Student Engineers Reaching Out, assist the Logan Center and St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center by modifying commercial toys so that they are more functionally suitable for children with a variety of disabilities. The team is also helping maximize the line efficiency of a local nonprofit packaging and distribution company that employs adults with developmental disabilities.