Grand Haven third-grader receives 3D prosthetic arm for Christmas from STEAM students
STEAM students from Macomb County presented a Rosy Mound Elementary third-grader with a new limb.
GRAND HAVEN — STEAM students from Macomb County presented a Rosy Mound Elementary third-grader with a new limb.
This week, Austin Catholic High School teacher Laura Hayden and her students — STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — presented 9-year-old Kaysen Green, of Grand Haven, a 3D printed prosthetic arm as part of the global e-NABLE Project.
Hayden had her 2021-22 STEAM Capstone students working toward earning badges. The classes were not only instrumental in learning to successfully create and demonstrate a working prosthetic in 2021, but were officially recognized and certified by the organization, becoming the only location in Michigan to do so.
In 2025, Hayden received an email from e-NABLE requesting a prosthetic limb. Her freshman class, Intro to STEAM, identified suitable models on the e-NABLE website and, with a limb difference just below the elbow, the “Unlimbited” arm model was selected.
This model was fully mechanical and when the pivot point at the elbow contracts, the hand grasps. Shortly after, Hayden’s STEAM Capstone senior class was included on the project, contributing an even greater knowledge base of CAD and 3D printing.
After discovering their 3D printer build plate wasn’t large enough, the school rallied. Bowling coach Charles “Chuck” Duvall, knew of a friend, Joseph Simko, who could do the job on his larger, home 3D printer. Once 3D printed, the students collaborated to thermoform, build and string the prosthetic arm.
This week, Austin Catholic High School teacher Laura Hayden (first photo) and her students — STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — presented 9-year-old Kaysen Green, of Grand Haven, a 3D printed prosthetic arm as part of the global e-NABLE Project. [Courtesy]
“It is truly amazing when people come together with their time, tools and talent. I am incredibly grateful and inspired by everyone on both sides of the state who came together to help make Kaysen’s prosthetic a reality. And, I am so proud of the commitment, love, and dedication of each of my students,” Hayden said.
The Austin Catholic STEAM students insisted that they deliver the prosthetic in-person and arrived at Rosy Mound Elementary after a three-hour drive, with a gift box containing two prosthetic arms for Kaysen.
The students fitted Kaysen and he began to practice picking up a tennis ball, then throwing and catching it using the prosthetic. His classmates were then brought in and Kaysen proceeded to fist-bump and high-five them with the prosthetic.
“Our journey has taught us to celebrate the moments that many take for granted, and this experience was one of the most meaningful yet. Seeing my son confidently use his prosthetic and feel supported by both his peers and these incredible students was truly life-changing. It reminded us that this journey is not one we walk alone,” said Amber Pedicone, Kaysen’s mother.
Read more about Kaysen’s updates, along with a photo gallery, here.
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