For Michael-Anthony C. Kline '29, engineering is about more than innovation; it’s about using skills to make a meaningful difference. A student in the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture at UHart, Michael recently brought that mindset to life through a project with the Eagle Scouts called Guided Hands by Imaginable Solutions, which he helped bring to students at the University of Hartford Magnet School.
Designed to support individuals with limited hand mobility, Guided Hands is an assistive device that enables users to write, draw, and interact more independently. At the magnet school, the tool is expected to make a significant impact, particularly for students with fine motor and occupational therapy needs. According to the school’s principal, Tim Barber, access to this device allows students to better engage with the general education curriculum while building confidence in their abilities. Over time, it is anticipated not only to improve academic participation but also to foster a deeper understanding and acceptance of diverse learning styles among all students.
From the principal’s perspective, what stands out most about Michael is his selflessness. His desire to help children he has never met and his commitment to seeing the project through reflects a deep sense of purpose and compassion. Rooted in the Boy Scouts’ value of doing a “good turn daily,” Michael’s work will continue to create opportunities for students well into the future.
The project also highlights the strong, multifaceted relationship between the University of Hartford and the magnet school. More than just a shared campus, the partnership is defined by collaboration, mentorship, and community impact. As the principal shared, students like Michael exemplify the kind of leadership and generosity that inspires the next generation of students, educators, and community leaders.
For Michael, this project is just one part of a much larger journey. Inspired by family members in the aerospace field and his own early experiences in manufacturing, he is pursuing a path in aerospace and mechanical engineering. He is also a student pilot who is working toward his private pilot license. In short, Michael is driven by a passion for flight and innovation.
On campus, he is involved in a wide range of technical and student organizations, including the Metrology Club and Research Team, AURORA Rocket Research, ASME, AIAA, ASCE, and the UHart Chess Club. His early introduction to the Metrology Club, even before beginning his first year, sparked a deeper interest in precision manufacturing and research. Today, he is part of a team whose work will be presented at the ASME Conference later this year.
Through these experiences, Michael has developed strong technical skills in areas like measurement, machining, and 3D modeling using tools such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks. He has also taken advantage of opportunities through UHart’s Center for Manufacturing and Metrology, connecting with peers and mentors who have helped shape his academic and professional growth.
Looking ahead, Michael plans to remain in the region and pursue a leadership role within a local aerospace company, where he hopes to combine his technical expertise with his public speaking skills. He is also preparing to continue his research in the Hursey Center’s Aerospace Wind Tunnel laboratory.
Michael’s dedication and discipline extend well beyond the classroom. A black belt in Kung Fu, he teaches martial arts both to children and adults, stays active in bodybuilding and weightlifting, and gives back to his community through volunteer work, from serving meals to those in need to supporting local youth programs.
Whether in the lab, the classroom, or the community, Michael-Anthony leads with purpose. By bringing Guided Hands by Imaginable Solutions to the University of Hartford Magnet School, he has created a lasting impact, demonstrating how engineering, empathy, and initiative can come together to change lives.