The talented 12-year-old Aubrey Sauvie has never allowed her lack of hands to stand in the way of her passions, whether it be Tae Kwon Do, art, or even doing her own makeup. Born a triple congenital amputee, Aubrey is missing both arms from below the elbows and several toes on one foot. From an early age, she made it clear to her family that she wouldn’t require much special accommodation.
“It’s just one part of me,” Aubrey Sauvie told WKRN. “It doesn’t make me, me. It definitely was a challenge to learn, but as time went on, it became easier and easier until it wasn’t difficult at all.”
Her family’s photo albums are filled with images of Aubrey participating in various activities. She is seen competing in dance, breaking boards with a flying side-kick, and standing proudly in front of her snare drum with her school band, holding drumsticks in the creases of her elbows.
However, her talent and determination weren’t enough to achieve the snare drum sound she desired. Despite her efforts, the sound was not quite right. This is when her middle school band teacher suggested she be a candidate for Tennessee Tech University’s program, Engineering for Kids. Ten students in this program decided to take on the challenge of creating custom prosthetics for Aubrey, allowing her to play the drums properly.
“So she plays the drums; does she also play the mallets?” recalled Tennessee Tech mechanical engineering student Zakary Henson during an interview with the ABC affiliate. “Does she play a xylophone? Something like that. So, is it going to have to have different handles? How is it going to be secured to the hand? All of these are questions we are thinking through.”
The team of students, guided by Tennessee Tech Professor of Mechanical Engineering Stephen Canfield, envisioned a solution: a pair of 3D-printed prosthetics that were both durable and flexible, with interchangeable grips. Professor Canfield described the project as a one-in-a-million shot.
Throughout the semester, the students took precise measurements and tested multiple prototypes. Their efforts culminated in a final design that exceeded all expectations, delighting both the students and Aubrey. Now, with her custom prosthetics, Aubrey can achieve the crisp, hard snap of a proper snare hit, which has her dreaming of playing a full drum kit.
Aubrey’s story is one of resilience and innovation, showcasing the power of determination and the impact of supportive communities and technological advancements. Her journey not only serves as an inspiration to others but also highlights the incredible potential of engineering to transform lives.
The project at Tennessee Tech has given Aubrey a new level of independence and opened up new possibilities for her musical journey. Her perseverance and the collaborative effort of the students have resulted in a tangible improvement in her quality of life. Aubrey’s experience underscores the importance of inclusivity in educational programs and the profound effects that dedicated, creative problem-solving can have on individuals facing unique challenges.
As Aubrey continues to pursue her interests, her story stands as a testament to her strength and the ingenuity of those who believed in her potential. With her new prosthetics, she not only plays the drums with greater ease but also embodies the spirit of overcoming obstacles through perseverance and innovation.