How Project S.E.R.V.E. works with Veterans and Emergency Responders

Project S.E.R.V.E works with America’s bravest across the country to provide personalized engineering solutions that enhance their independence, mobility, and participation in activities they love.

A person in a Duke sweatshirt is working on a recumbent tricycle in a laboratory or workshop setting, with various equipment and tools around.

Identify the Quality
of Life Issue

Participants work with a Project S.E.R.V.E program manager to pinpoint a specific injury, illness, or challenge affecting their quality of life.

Four students working together on a mechanical project in a workshop, with tools and metal parts on the table.

Create a
Personalized Project

A Project S.E.R.V.E. program manager works with participants to develop a personalized project plan, at no cost to them.

A group of four young men at a conference or exhibition, with one sitting on a chair adjusting a prosthetic limb, and the other three standing around watching. Behind them are display posters and booths.

Assign to a
University Team

The project is assigned to a team of engineering students and faculty at one of Project S.E.R.V.E.’s partner universities.

Woman operating a drill press in a workshop

Develop and Build

Over the course of an academic year (9-10 months), the University Team designs and builds a custom adaptive device, working with the participant virtually and in-person to get it right.