Meet our Stars
The whole ethos of the SMF is to support neurodiverse individuals to find and realise their talents through engineering and making. Find out how your funds have helped our SMF Stars to date...
Zac Smith
16 yr old student from Simon Langton Grammar School
Out 1st Star! Zac applied to the SMF through the 2023 TCT Awards.
Zac is a remarkable student with an incredible talent and passion in the filed of engineering.
Despite facing challenges associated with his neurodivergent conditions, including PTSD, ADD, and ASD, from a young age, Zac exhibited a natural affinity for the design department. He found solace and joy in exploring the realms of engineering and design. It is in this department that Zac's true potential shines. He has flourished in numerous projects, consistently delivering outstanding results that not only showcase his technical skills but also his innovative and creative thinking.
Zac is particularly passionate about F1 and 3D printing. To Support Zac's development, the SMF & it's partners arranged the following:
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An Mk4 3D printer from Prusa Research
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Upgraded laptop from Ask4Support
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Solidworks to further his design skills from SolidSolutions
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2 weeks work experience with E3D
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Finally, BrendonBuilds was so impressed with Zac's work, he gifted him THE mod0 printer from SMRRF.
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Theadora Powell
23 yr old student from Brunel University
Theadora, an Industrial Design & Technology student, explores assistive technology development for mainstream healthcare. Her motivation stems from the realisation that unique medical conditions often lack sufficient care and support.
Having a rare neurological condition called PNKD, Theadora experiences unexpected, chronic seizures leading to severe and sometimes violent episodes causing injury.
In her final year, she dedicates her major project to crafting a self-inflating seizure aid—an airbag designed to protect herself during such episodes.
Despite the existence of costly similar products in the market, inaccessible to her, Theadora's quest for understanding their science and advancing her research and development persisted. The SMF granted her access to a top-tier S-Airbag and a substantial supply of canisters, enabling her to further her education and drive her product forward.
New Stars coming in 2024
Will you apply?
We are excited to announce that we will once again be partnering with Rapid News Group for the TCT Annual Awards recognising a neurodiverse individual who is passionate about 3D printing.
Applications for our 2024 Stars are now open. Visit our 'Become a Star' page to apply.
If you would like to the first to know about application dates for both these programmes, please sign up below: