Clark Atlanta University Professor Makes Masks to Help CAU Public Safety During COVID-19 Pandemic

04/24/2020

(Clark Atlanta University April 8, 2020) –ATLANTA, GA – Clark Atlanta University’s (CAU)

Dr. Olugbemiga Olatidoye, a professor in the Dual Degree Engineering Program has designed protective masks for campus police to wear to help protect them from the community spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Dr. Olatidoye used Clark Atlanta’s 3-D printers and other resources from the University’s Dual Degree Engineering, Visualization, Simulation Laboratory (ViSIDeL), to make the masks. He also leveraged resources from the Environmental Leadership Initiative (ELI) Fellows to make sure the masks are equipped with smart sensors, adaptive to individual faces and are equipped with variable filters.

“I was honored to answer the call of our esteemed President Dr. George T. French Jr. and our Chief of Staff Charles Gibbs. They asked me to investigate ways we could assist in protecting Clark Atlanta University’s public safety employees during the pandemic. CAU has so much talent within its walls and I am proud to be part of a team that believes in its resources right here on campus and very willing to assist during this challenging time,” said Olatidoye.

So far Olatidoye has produced 22 masks but is working to produce a total of one hundred. When making the protective gear, Olatidoye followed the N95 masks rating specifications which includes 3M filtering systems also used by the makers community. Additionally, the masks are made air-tight and comfortable with rubber foam strips.

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“I’d like to thank Dr. Olatidoye for his willingness I’d like to thank Dr. Olatidoye for taking the initiative to produce protective gear for our officers. During these uncertain times it’s important we access all resources possible to help ensure the safety of our beloved Clark Atlanta University community,” said President George T. French Jr., Ph.D.

According to Dr. Olatidoye, the masks are not replacements for proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) specifically the N95 mask however, the quality of the filtering system is made and used by the makers community as there is a shortage of masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This effort was also made possible thanks to the Center for Additive Manufacturing (CAM) Lab, Verizon Interactive Learning (VIL) Lab, the Center for Alternative, Renewable Energy, Technology & Training, and the Engineering Makers Space. All of these initiatives helped with the sponsorship of the 3-D printers used to produce the masks.

Clark Atlanta University moved to remote learning for all courses to ensure its students could successfully complete the Spring 2020 semester. The institution also cancelled all on campus activities and events due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For additional information visit www.cau.edu or contact Jolene Butts Freeman, Director of News and Media Relations at Clark Atlanta University at (770) 376-5991 or via email at jbutts-freeman@cau.edu. #CAU #OneExceptionalUniversity #CAUStrong

About Clark Atlanta University

Established in 1988 by the consolidation of Atlanta University (1865) and Clark College (1869), Clark Atlanta University (CAU) is one of the Nation’s foremost research institutions, offering students from around the United States and several foreign countries the opportunity to engage in 38 exciting areas of study at bachelors, masters and doctoral levels. Located in the historic heart of Atlanta, one of the world's great international cities, CAU’s nearly 4,000 students enjoy access to academic and co-curricular experiences, from forensic debate, to on-air broadcasting, to cancer research with world-renowned investigators. From the arts to zoology, CAU combines nearly 300 years of tradition with a solid focus on academic excellence to produce leaders who will shape the future of the global community. To learn more about Clark Atlanta University, visit www.cau.edu.