Recently, our Makerspace team had the chance to support a remarkable student project with the potential to change lives.

Sofia’s science project, the Transcranial Observational Network for Hydrocephalus Investigation (TONHI), is a simulated wearable medical device concept designed to reduce the frequent, stressful, and costly hospital visits that hydrocephalus patients face when they worry a shunt might be failing. Instead of rushing to the emergency room over symptoms like headaches or nausea “just in case,” TONHI imagines a future where patients can check their status at home first.

Using transcranial Doppler ultrasound sensors and a companion app in its concept, TONHI is designed to detect dangerous pressure spikes and help patients distinguish between a true medical emergency and a false alarm. For families living with hydrocephalus, this kind of information could mean less anxiety, fewer unnecessary hospital trips, and more confidence in everyday life.

To bring Sofia’s vision to life, our Makerspace team engineered a TONHI proof-of-concept using CAD design, custom 3D‑printed components, advanced micro‑controller programming, and bespoke electronics. What began as a science project quickly became a powerful example of how accessible prototyping tools can turn a young person’s idea into a tangible, functioning model.

Beyond the tech, this project had a deeply personal impact. TONHI was inspired by a member of Sofia’s own family, and he was blown away by the finished result. Sometimes the most meaningful part of a build like this is not just the device itself, but the opportunity it creates to share knowledge about a condition and raise awareness in a way that feels empowering.

Do you have a life‑changing idea of your own? Our Makerspace team is here to help you prototype it. Email makerspace@nfinnovationhub.ca to start bringing your concept from idea to reality.