A team of motivated students at The Storm King School, junior Steven C. ‘27 and senior Ethan W. ‘26, have made impressive achievements in academic research through a robotics project that connects engineering, computer science, and medicine. Their work focused on building and studying a robotic system designed to support movement and improve precision in challenging medical situations for Parkinson’s patients. 

During the course of the student-led project, Steven and Ethan explored how robotic systems can respond more effectively by combining data analysis with thoughtful mechanical design. As aspiring engineers, their work was inspired by the rapid growth of robotics and the rising role of artificial intelligence in the field today. Their wish is to lower the barrier to accessible medical technology that directly interacts with and improves the lives of patients in need.

During the school year, Steven and Ethan have been learning about advanced robotics under the guidance of an NYU professor, Prof. Su, while developing research strong enough to be considered at the university and graduate level. 

In 2025, Steven traveled to the Cornell Northeast Robotics Colloquium to present the project in person, and the work was also presented at the Duke Medical Robotics Symposium. With the help of SKS Science Department Chair Dr. Paul Feffer, the students’ work gained further exposure through entry at New York State Science and Engineering Fair. Most recently, the project was accepted at the 2026 Design of Medical Devices Conference–a leading medical technology conference held at Minnesota University. Ethan will travel to the conference this month to present. 

According to Steven and Ethan, their passion for robotics and their success with the project reflects the experiential culture that The Storm King School aims to foster: “SKS gives students the encouragement and support needed to pursue ambitious work in meaningful ways. Because of that strong foundation, students at SKS can move beyond classroom assignments and step into real-world academic conversations with confidence and purpose.”