Mattapoisett resident and biomechanical engineer Stefan Gabriel is now an honorary Old Rochester Regional teacher.

After a full day of teaching more than 300 kids the science of engineering and medicine, he’s earned it. Gabriel capped his time at ORR with a short discussion on artificial joints in the junior high library on Dec. 6.

“I decided to go into engineering around the time I was in junior high,” Gabriel said. “I liked math. I liked science. I didn’t exactly know what engineering was, but it sounded cool!”

After taking an undergraduate anthropology class and learning about joint and bone stress, Gabriel said biomechanical engineering was the right path. He now works in the research and development stages of artificial joint replacements.

He discussed the changing of technology and ways to test it to a modest crowd of parents and students.

“In the 1890s, people were using hinged ivory prosthetics,” Gabriel said. “Now you’ve got hi-tech metallic alloys and polymers. Above all, we have to test how the body will react to the removal of natural—but diseased—cartilage and insertion of these materials.”

He also said joints take on a load of three times a person’s body weight, so it’s important to thoroughly test new designs to take on the strain. Athletes such as former football player Bo Jackson can go through replacements much faster, but Gabriel said digital analysis and design is on the upswing.

“We’re looking at a lot of new developments,” Gabriel said. “The field is rapidly changing with technology. It’s exciting”

Gabriel’s visit was part of Old Rochester Regional’s science, technology, engineering and math initiative.

“Most middle school teachers see around 100 to 120 students,” said Elise Frangos, director of curriculum and instruction. “Stefan saw around 340, if not more. So he deserves some recognition.”