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UNO’s 3D Printing Program Provides Cost-Effective Prosthetics for Children

News outlets around the country cover UNO’s initiative to provide affordable prosthetics, changing lives across Nebraska.

  • published: 2025/02/07
  • contact: Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications
  • email: unonews@unomaha.edu
Biomechanics 3-D printed arm and shoulder. Photo: UNO Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications.

Biomechanics 3D printed arm and shoulder. Photo: UNO Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications.

UNO’s 3D printing program is making a significant impact by providing cost-effective prosthetics for children across Nebraska. The initiative has helped 60 families statewide, offering customized prosthetic solutions that enhance mobility and independence. One story featured is that of 9-year-old Rue Gillespie, who received a prosthetic through the program, reducing the usual $12,000 cost to just $50.

Why it matters: This program, which has gained attention from NBC affiliates across the country, is transforming the lives of children who otherwise might not be able to afford prosthetic limbs. Affordability and customization make a meaningful difference in the lives of many families.

The big picture: UNO’s 3D printing initiative showcases the university’s commitment to using technology to improve lives, making a direct impact in Nebraska and beyond.

For more on this incredible initiative and how it’s changing lives, read the full story on WOWT.

Read the full article on WOWT

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university, committed to innovating for the public good, advancing social mobility, powering workforce development, and serving as a hub for community engagement. Nearly 15,000 Mavericks choose UNO for its hands-on education experiences, nationally ranked online and graduate programs, military-connected student support, and innovative approaches to supporting lifelong learning. UNO holds the Carnegie Research Activity “R2” designation, securing more than $40 million annually in external research funding and counts its faculty among the world’s most cited scholars. Sixteen Omaha Athletics programs compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Summit League and National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC). 

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