Bovine Displaced Abomasum (DA) Surgical Simulation Model
Project photo coming soon!
In collaboration with Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Abigail Awol '28 is developing a high-fidelity, full-scale surgical simulator for displaced abomasum (DA) correction in dairy cows. The goal of this project is to create an anatomically accurate and durable training model that allows veterinary students to practice the physical and spatial challenges of DA surgery before working with live animals.
Through Brandeis Design and Innovation (BDI), Abigail is designing and fabricating 3D-printed molds and casts of key abdominal organs, test materials that balance flexibility, weight, and suture-holding strength, and iterate on internal anatomy to realistically simulate organ movement, trocarization, and tacking. BDI’s resources, mentorship, and collaborative environment have been essential in translating real surgical workflows into a reusable teaching model that supports hands-on learning and instructor-led instruction.
Abigail's project began during the Fall 2025 semester.
Through Brandeis Design and Innovation (BDI), Abigail is designing and fabricating 3D-printed molds and casts of key abdominal organs, test materials that balance flexibility, weight, and suture-holding strength, and iterate on internal anatomy to realistically simulate organ movement, trocarization, and tacking. BDI’s resources, mentorship, and collaborative environment have been essential in translating real surgical workflows into a reusable teaching model that supports hands-on learning and instructor-led instruction.
Abigail's project began during the Fall 2025 semester.