Biomedical engineer Kate Fox sharing her vision to help improve lives
Biomedical engineer Kate Fox has dedicated her life to finding ways to help improve the daily lives of others — but the project she is proudest of is making the biggest difference.
Pride of Australia
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There is no underestimating the effect Kate Fox’s work has had.
A biomedical engineer, she has dedicated her life to finding ways to improve the lives of those with disabilities or deformities.
From cancer patients, to those with cerebral palsy and limb deficiencies, many have the work of Ms Fox and her team to thank.
But it’s one of her proudest projects, and through her role as an associate professor at RMIT, that is making the biggest difference.
“At the moment we’re working as part of the training centre for Solve Disability Solutions,” Ms Fox said.
“Each team (of students) is partnered with a retired mentor from Solve, and they work directly with the client to be able to give back to the community.”
In the program, 34 third-year students meet people with physical or intellectual disabilities and find solutions for daily tasks.
“One guy has cerebral palsy and he just wants to be able to play pool at the pub — so the team is designing a pool cue,” she said.
Another wants to use a walking frame to go up and down stairs.
She also played a role in developing a bionic eye.
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“I spent 4½ years at Melbourne Uni where ... we were developing a bionic eye that was made from diamonds,” she said.
Ms Fox’s son Jake, 13, was born with vision impairment and cerebral palsy and is the drive behind a lot of her work.
“I just want to be able to make people happy – and that’s what having a disabled child does,” she said.
Ms Fox’s work has been recognised with a 2019 Pride of Australia nomination.