Dayton Engineer

By Alexandria Ford '26

The University of Dayton offers programs for students to integrate a holistic education into meaningful action. Mechanical engineering student Clare Pitstick found her vocation in prosthetics and orthotics through the Grand Challenges Scholars Program. 

The Grand Challenges Scholars Program (GCSP), launched by the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), aims to integrate global awareness and social skills into engineering education. This program encourages undergraduate students to address critical global issues by developing five essential competencies — research, multidisciplinary, business and entrepreneurship, multicultural and social consciousness. 

In her sophomore year, Pitstick wanted to merge her interest in physics and medicine into a program that focused on supporting the common good outside of the classroom. She found the Grand Challenges Scholars Program to do just that. 

The program begins with initial research and a literature review regarding the student’s issue of interest. Pitstick focused her overarching issue on engineering healthcare solutions and providing greater access to healthcare for communities. 

“I’ve always been passionate about both engineering and healthcare, which led me to major in mechanical engineering with a minor in biomechanics,” Pitstick said. “When it came time to choose a Grand Challenge, focusing on engineering solutions for healthcare was the clear choice.”

To fulfill the research component of GCSP, Pitstick participated in the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program at Dayton, focusing on human factors in healthcare. Her research examined how individuals interact with engineered systems, specifically exploring the role of artificial intelligence in radiology. This investigation highlighted the effects of AI on physician interactions and its potential impact on mental burnout, providing insights into both the benefits and limitations of AI in clinical settings.

A part of the research component included Pitstick’s co-op experience with Johnson & Johnson. During her two rotations, she worked in research and design that furthered her experience engaging with healthcare in the engineering industry. 

“Through both research and co-op experiences,” Pitstick said. “I gained essential hands-on technical engineering skills. Having the chance to engage in both was crucial in my decision to pursue a master's degree.”

In pursuing her interest to uplift the common good, Pitstick satisfied the social consciousness competency through her position as director of service and Philanthropy for Pi Beta Phi Fraternity. Pitstick worked as an aquatics supervisor for the UD Recreation Complex and redesigned the swim lessons program, fulfilling the business and entrepreneurship competency.

“My on-campus involvement was one of my most fulfilling experiences, allowing me to learn extensively about myself, teamwork and contributing to a larger community,” Pitstick said. 

As a piece of the multicultural aspect of GCSP, Pitstick earned a AFS Global Competence Certificate. This program equips professionals with collaboration, critical thinking, problem solving, cross-cultural communication, open-mindedness and flexibility skills. 

Pitstick also completed an Ethos summer immersion at United Rehabilitation Services (URS) in Dayton. She developed a comprehensive training program focused on the use of technological equipment, such as sound systems and 3D printers. This initiative included a virtual training component, allowing users to learn at their own pace through instructional videos. 

“Working for a non-profit was both challenging and different from past experiences, yet it proved to be incredibly rewarding,” said Pitstick. 

While Pitstick valued the technical aspects of her co-op experiences, she recognized a longing for the individualized interactions that characterized her undergraduate research work. A therapist from her Ethos immersion introduced her to the field of prosthetics and orthotics, sparking her passion for combining technical expertise with personal connections.

In her senior year, Pitstick began shadowing professionals and volunteering at the Gait Lab at Dayton Children’s Hospital, where she conducts analyses of various gait patterns in children. Pitstick’s work in the Gait Lab satisfied the multidisciplinary competency of the Grand Challenge Scholars Program. 

“Volunteering at Dayton Children's has been an invaluable experience, giving me firsthand clinical exposure,” Pitstick said. “I love working with the patients and seeing how engineering can have a direct, positive impact on their lives.”

As a fifth-year student, Pitstick is piecing her portfolio together to complete the Grand Challenge Scholars Program. With a committee of UD faculty members supporting her through the process, she is in the final stages of completing a thesis to describe her journey through GCSP. 

“Through this program, I was able to find what I am called to do,” Pitstick said. “I can combine my passion for hands-on engineering with my desire to connect personally with patients.”

Next May, Pitstick will be attending Northwestern University to pursue a master’s degree in prosthetics and orthotics. After the two year program, a two year residency and board certification exams, Pitstick will be certified to assess patients and build, modify and fit custom prosthetics and orthotics. Pitstick is interested in working within the field of pediatrics, specifically at Dayton Children’s.

“I would not have ended up where I am today without coming to UD,” Pitstick said.