UD students and alumni were recognized for their research efforts and given National Science Foundation grants to help in future work. (Photo illustration by Joy Smoker | University of Delaware)

A graduate student at UD has earned a National Science Foundation grant to continue his work making ankle-foot orthosis braces more responsive to users’ movement speed. These assistive technology devices are worn on the lower leg and foot to support the ankle and ensure the ankle and foot stay in the right position, but currently their ability to move with the user as he or she flexes an ankle is limited. Fourteen UD alumni also received grants, which provide a $34,000 yearly stipend, tuition support and other research opportunities.