Skip to header Skip to Content Skip to Footer

Jordan McLeod

Recreational prosthetic fingers that are both less expensive and easier to build now exist, thanks to a group of UNCW students.

The university’s chapter of The Helping Hand Project uses 3D printing technology at UNCW Library to develop cost-free, specially designed, recreational prosthetic devices for local patients.

“Last year, we actually completed a case for a UNCW student who came to us and just said, ‘Hi, I don't know if you all can do this per se, but I'd like to figure out how I can make a prosthetic to help me play violin better,’” said Jordan McLeod, a senior public health major with a preclinical concentration and biology minor, who started the chapter.

The group adjusted existing physician-approved designs to come up with a new individual finger prosthetic made with just one type of plastic combined with common household objects, such as fishing line and hair bands.

“This is more cost efficient as well as easier to assemble and easier to adjust, if needed, than the leading individual finger prosthetic currently widely available for free online,” Jordan said.

Siler Fleming, a senior at Isaac Bear Early College High School on the UNCW campus, was one of the chapter’s earliest members. Jordan said Siler has helped a lot with printing and related technical details. Siler said the chance to put his skills to practical use drew him to the club.

“I like the idea of helping people as an added benefit of learning new things,” he said.

Alyssa Wharton, coordinator for the MakerStudio at UNCW Library, first suggested that Jordan consider creating a chapter of The Helping Hand Project at UNCW. Jordan applied for a job at what is now the MakerStudio before he was even a student, after learning about openings while on a school tour.

“I’ve been working here as long as I’ve been in school here,” he said.

The UNCW Chapter of Helping Hands was established in 2023 by Jordan McLeod
The UNCW Chapter of Helping Hands was established in 2023 by Jordan McLeod

The promise of a solid science education is what first drew Jordan to UNCW, and being a recipient of the Dr. L.W. Upperman Scholarship Endowment meant financial considerations would not be a concern. When combined with the scholarship’s mentorship program for African American premedical students, his decision to become a Seahawk was cemented after meeting a current Upperman Scholar who talked of the community he found at UNCW and the strong support of the faculty and staff.

“I don't know what any other school could offer you that would top that,” Jordan said. “It really felt like UNCW was investing in me to succeed.”


top