EXCLUSIVE: Chicago Teen Divinefavour Osuji Wins National STEM Award for Prosthetic Innovation
A Lifelong Passion for STEM
Divinefavour Osuji, a Chicago high school senior, made a vow that not only fuels his life’s purpose but has also propelled him to win one of the nation’s most prestigious academic awards. "I made a promise to myself to be a part of engineering solutions or even create solutions for these problems to ensure that another family out there does not go through the same pain as mine," he said.
Osuji was recently named the 2025 National STEM Champion for developing a cost-effective hand prosthetic controlled by muscle contractions. He worked on a project for seven to nine months that began in March of his sophomore year and continued through December 2023 as part of Lane Tech’s science fair initiative.
Engineering a Solution
The project was far from simple. His first prototype used a muscle sensor to detect contractions and control the prosthetic. However, the technology proved inconsistent. "We contract our muscles instantaneously, sometimes without realizing it, and getting an electronic sensor to track that accurately was difficult," he explained.
Undeterred, Osuji pivoted to a second design, replacing the muscle sensor with a webcam-based computer vision algorithm that tracked hand movements to control the prosthetic. While more reliable, it required users to have a functional hand, presenting a new limitation.
His breakthrough came when he researched biological adhesion and found inspiration in an unlikely source: geckos. "Geckos have unique adhesion on their toe pads that help them grip surfaces," Osuji said. "I studied why that was the case and mimicked those ridges on the fingertips of my prosthetic design."
This innovation significantly improved the prosthetic’s grip, allowing it to grasp objects of varying sizes and weights with greater ease.
A Bright Future in STEM
Osuji’s achievements have reaffirmed his belief that STEM is his calling. With plans to study biomedical engineering in college, he hopes to advance medical assistive devices, potentially working with soft robotics—materials designed to be more flexible and comfortable for patients.
As he prepares to present his prosthetic design at the National STEM Festival, he looks forward to meeting other young innovators. "Because I understand how driven and passionate a person must be to work on these projects, I just want to hear about other people’s experiences and be able to network and communicate with others who are just really passionate about STEM," he said.
Advice for Future Innovators
For younger students interested in STEM, Osuji emphasizes curiosity and perseverance. "What really helped me a lot was not being afraid to ask questions, especially if you’re confused. I think it also takes another aspect of being understanding when you don’t know something and being humble enough to ask someone who has already experienced it or is teaching the course content," he said.
Beyond STEM
When he’s not engineering solutions, Osuji enjoys solving Rubik’s Cubes, riding his bike along the lakefront, and playing basketball with friends. He recently took up rugby and is an active member of Lane Tech’s Black Student Association.
Conclusion
Divinefavour Osuji’s remarkable achievement is a testament to the potential of young innovators in Chicago. His dedication to STEM and his passion for creating solutions to real-world problems have earned him a prestigious national award. As he looks to the future, Osuji is poised to make a significant impact in the field of biomedical engineering, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What inspired your interest in STEM?
A: My grandfather, who would check my math homework, and my uncle, a computer science enthusiast.
Q: What is your favorite hobby?
A: Solving Rubik’s Cubes, riding my bike, and playing basketball.
Q: What are your plans after high school?
A: I plan to study biomedical engineering in college, potentially working with soft robotics.
Q: What advice would you give to young students interested in STEM?
A: Be curious, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and explore opportunities to work on projects that interest you.
