QL Plus and University of South Florida Collaborate on a Custom Leg Brace for U.S. Marine Veteran Yessenia Buckley

At QL Plus, we believe that innovation and collaboration can change lives. That’s why we’re excited to announce a new capstone project in collaboration with the University of South Florida (USF). 

This year, a team of biomedical and mechanical engineering students from USF will work together to design and build an improved leg brace for Yessenia Buckley, a Marine veteran who sustained a spinal cord injury during training. Their goal? To create a more comfortable, flexible, and supportive device that enhances her mobility and quality of life.

Yessenia Buckley’s Story

U.S. Marine Corps Captain Yessenia Buckley

Yessenia Buckley served six years in the U.S. Marine Corps, reaching the rank of Captain. She was inspired to join the military after the events of September 11, driven by a deep desire to serve her country. During training at The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia, she suffered a serious spinal cord injury after falling down a hill with her full hiking gear. The injury resulted in nerve damage that affects her lower extremities, making everyday mobility a challenge.

“I have had to use different mobility devices over the years, including a wheelchair,” said Yessenia. “It took me a while to be okay with asking for help, but I don’t see my injury as a setback. Instead, I focus on appreciating what I can still do.”

Currently, Yessenia relies on a Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis (KAFO) on her right leg and an ankle brace on her left. However, her current KAFO is bulky, digs into her skin, and becomes too hot in Florida’s warm climate. 

The USF student team aims to create a custom-fit brace that is more comfortable and provides better support, allowing Yessenia to walk longer distances, stay active with her family, and wear shorts without discomfort.

The Student Team’s Mission

Bret Nowakowski, Matthew Farling, Nik Chakkoli, Kayla Fireovid, Patricia Diaz, and Yessenia Buckley (from left to right)

Four University of South Florida students—Kayla Fireovid, Patricia Zamora Diaz, Bret Nowakowski, and Nik Chakkoli—are taking on the challenge of designing a custom brace for Yessenia as part of their capstone project. Over the course of the academic year, they will develop five prototypes, refining their design with each iteration to ensure the best possible fit and functionality.

For Kayla, the project is an exciting intersection of her engineering skills and her passion for healthcare. “This project aligned most with my interest in the medical world and helping people improve their quality of life,” she said. “It’s also our first time designing and building a final product from the ground up, which is an incredible learning experience.”

Patricia was drawn to the project for a similar reason—her deep-rooted interest in prosthetics and orthotics. “I pursued biomedical engineering with a strong interest in prosthetics and orthotics, so this capstone project immediately stood out,” she explained. “I value patient-centered work, and the opportunity to develop a one-on-one relationship with Yessenia makes this project even more meaningful.”

The students will get the chance to work closely with Yessenia, who will visit USF in the fall for a gait analysis, providing valuable insights into how she distributes pressure while walking. The fourth prototype will be the first she tries, and she will return to test the final version in person.

For Bret, this project represents a full-circle moment in his studies. “Prosthetics and orthotics led me to biomedical engineering, and this is my first chance to focus on that field,” he said. “I hope our work results in a brace that provides long-term comfort and support.”

Beyond being a test of their technical skills, the project is an opportunity for these students to create something that will truly impact someone’s life. As they refine their designs, they’re not just working toward a grade—they’re engineering a solution that could make a real difference for Yessenia.

Challenges and Innovations

The KAFO prototype

The team has faced several challenges, from integrating different design components to managing manufacturing constraints. Testing has also been difficult, as Yessenia lives in a different city, requiring careful planning to evaluate prototypes effectively. However, their persistence has already led to some exciting breakthroughs, including an innovative design feature that enhances the brace’s adaptability while keeping it lightweight and non-bulky.

“Yessenia has given us great insight into what she needs,” says Kayla. “Her feedback is shaping our design to ensure it’s truly personalized for her.”

A Brighter Future, A Better Quality of Life

For Yessenia, this project represents more than just a new brace—it’s a step toward greater mobility and independence.

“I’m hoping this will allow me to go on longer walks with more stability and less skin irritation,” she says. “I’m grateful for the combined efforts of the team at USF and QL Plus for taking on this project.”

As the students continue refining their prototypes, we look forward to seeing the final product take shape. Their dedication and ingenuity exemplify the mission of QL Plus: leveraging engineering innovation to improve the lives of those who have sacrificed for our country.

Stay tuned for updates as this inspiring collaboration progresses!