Jennifer Perreira

Shoe - OPPORTUNITY 90% of foot surgeries are performed on women because shoes that are both stylish and comfortable are not prevalent. Many high heels do not even offer arch support and forget about proper fit, flexibility, breath ability and cushioning. The damage to women’s feet for the sake of fashion can be avoided. STYLE Shoes go extreme this season. The “wedge” gets the most fashionists buzz for its fun factor. Chunky no more with its funky touches, wild colors and sheer wear ability. The more comfortable alternative to strappy sandals compliments the leg with this seasons big skirts. A little faux animal print dresses up the most casual attire. MANUFACTURING Heel Until recently Plasticized polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) an environmentally unfriendly thermoplastic was the major ingredient in heels. Polyurethane Thermoplastic Elastomer (PU TPE) which is not much better provides a lightweight, strong and durable alternative. Straps The straps are die cut from leather, fitted and sewn together. Construction The individually constructed parts were once sewn together. Now everything is held together using the “cement construction method.” First the heel and outsole are each coated with a rubber and water based emulsion, they are allowed to dry separately and then heat reactivated before going through the sole press. The insole is then attached to the inside of the outsole. A combination of stitching and the “cement construction method” is used to attach the straps to the shoe. Jewel and Clasp The sandal can be slipped on and off with some care. The jewelry on the back functions as a clasp for adjustment. The clasp is a simple hole and pin which is molded into the metal at the time of the jewels construction. The two pieces will not disconnect prematurely because of the pins angle. There are no fussy buckles with these heels.

PIMA - RESEARCH Interview - Dr. Tiffany Fields Benefits of daily massage on premature infants -Increases time in the active alert stage -Decreases crying -Lower cortisol levels (less depression) -Fall asleep faster after message than rocking -Faster weight gain -Improved emotionality -Sociability, soothability -Decreased urinary stress hormones -Increased serotonin (brain’s natural pain reliever) -Babies leave the hospital an average of two weeks early saving thousands of dollars PRIMARY CONCERNS -Support - newborns neck and head need proper support -Safety - won’t roll out and hurt themselves -Suffocation - lose cloth, micro-beads, orientation We decided on a stable and low cushion to prevent over stimulation, tangling of tubes and injury. When looking into lose cloth and micro-beads suffocation became a concern. The baby is positioned on his back to further prevent suffocation. We made the chair accommodate the babies form to provide support and hold the baby without strapping them in. A second pillow was added for the needed neck support. The baby massager uses Vibro-Technology to simulate the touch between parent and premature infant in a situation where contact between the two is limited. Massage is an important aid in an infant’s physical development, especially in the first five weeks. Generally parent’s have minimal contact with their premature infants and the baby massager provides the child with the tactile stimulation it cannot receive otherwise.

Booth - INTRODUCTION Carnival is an event organized by Carnegie Mellon students in collaboration with the University for Alumni and the Pittsburgh Community. Booths are constructed for a competition and the community's enjoyment. RESPONSIBILITY I was co-booth chair for Kappa Alpha Theta’s “Diamond Mining Booth.” I designed and managed the construction of the entire interior. The 60 girls were organized into teams by abilities and interests, I then gave them plans for their individual projects complete with material choices, measurements and the step-by-step process. These are some of the final pictures. Follow the arrows for a brief tour.