I graduated from the School of Health and Welfare at Jönköping University (JU) in 2023, where I studied the Master of Product Development - Specialisation in Assistive Technology (MASTech) for Prosthetist / Orthotists. Today, I am working at Axiles Bionics—a start-up based in Brussels, Belgium, where my main focus is engineering ankle-foot prostheses and working on product features that enhance the user experience.
Name: Molly Monaghan
From: St. John’s, Newfoundland, Kanada
Graduation: MASTech, 2023
During my bachelor’s degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics at JU, I fell in love with the subject and field but felt more drawn towards the design and development of new assistive technologies area, rather than the clinical side.
I got information about the MASTech programme through teachers who were involved in both the bachelor- and master programmes. It was an easy decision to apply. The MASTech programme was the perfect gateway into product development, equipping its students with hard engineering skills like CAD and industrial design, regulatory knowledge for medical device development, insights into the unique challenges of disability healthcare, and frameworks for managing and innovating within the product development process.
"A lot of practical experience in the program"
What I appreciated most about the program was the amount of practical experience we gained across such a wide range of topics. The courses allowed us to apply the theory we learned through hands-on group projects, industrial visits, and more.
For example, we worked on many group projects to identify needs and then develop product concepts for assistive technologies, such as hearing aids, wheelchairs, and a brace for infants with hip dysplasia. We also had the opportunity to visit and speak with experts from leading companies like Etac, Panthera, and Lindhe Xtend, as well as Qulturum—Jönköping Region’s Healthcare Innovation Centre—where we learned about their innovation processes, product development strategies, and portfolios. I also enjoyed prototyping in both the School of Health and Welfare’s and School of Engineering’s impressive workshops, working with classmates on various MASTech projects.
One of the highlights during my studies was my internship at Össur in Iceland, a leader in the field of prosthetics and orthotics. I also really enjoyed developing my Master’s thesis, where I created a product concept for customizing children' s prosthetic running blades.
Student life – there is something for everyone!
There are many wonderful student life memories from my time at JU, so it’s difficult to only mention one. JU is where I found a career discipline that I’m passionate about, and many of my closest friendships. Some of my favorite moments are from time spent with friends and classmates at Vätterstranden—where Jönköping meets lake Vättern—especially in the Swedish summer.
JU has so much to offer not only in terms of academics but also in extracurriculars. I was involved in several student clubs - leading Showtime’s dance studio, playing on JUSA’s ultimate frisbee team, and rowing with JURA. I also took part in workshops at Science Park, the campus’ innovation hub. There’s something for everyone at JU, and I highly encourage getting involved!
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