(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — A team of staff and students from the Lebanese American University (LAU) climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in January to raise funds for the Exoskeleton Project, which aims to research and develop the ability for a paralyzed person to stand-up, walk, and climb stairs.
The exoskeleton was first tested on Michael Haddad, a 33-year-old activist with a spinal injury who lost control of over 75 percent of his body.
Dr. Barbar Akle and a group of engineering students at LAU teamed up with the university ‘Surivial Team,’ which hosts intense training programs that promote survival, first aid, navigation, climbing, shelter building, among other projects.
The team of students and staff, ranging from ages 20 to 60, organized a 5,895 meter hike up Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
The 7-day hike from January 23 to January 29 was accomplished by six students and two staff members, including Dr. Elise Salem, Vice President of Student Development and Enrollment Management at LAU.
LAU’s engineering students are continuing research on the exoskeleton to further develop an innovative system that helps paralyzed individuals climb stairs and walk longer distances.
If you’re interested in donating to the LAU Exoskeleton Project, click here.
WATCH the LAU team climb Mount Kilimanjaro: