102 ACADEMICS UNITED HEALTH Engineering students design 3-D printed masks for Unity Health. In spring 2020, COVID-19 disrupted plans for students across the world. Although the world seemed to be at a standstill, Harding University’s Department of Engineering and Physics collaborated with Unity Health - White County Medical Center to contribute to the need for personal protective equipment (PPE). The pandemic engendered confusion for not only the public, but also hospitals. The need for more PPE increased each day. The Department of Engineering and Physics did not hesitate when asked to help the local community. Professor and Department Chair of Engineering Brad Miller said the idea was conceived after they noticed other universities partnering with hospitals to make equipment. Senior engineering student Weston Burks explained how he first heard about the opportunity and was able to contribute. “I was sitting in an online Zoom class listening to Rich Wells talk, and toward the end, he mentioned something about having this opportunity to make masks for Unity, and he was looking for anyone with a 3-D printer,” Burks said. “I thought, ‘Hey! I have one of those!’ So, I just emailed him, and he sent me the files that they gave him.” Real life application of their majors was the primary reason students volunteered. However, Miller explained that it revealed the character and compassion of the students. story by Sadie Thornton “I think what it demonstrated was our students’ compassion and desire to be impactful in their Christian service,” said Miller. “They were eager to help.” The emergence of COVID-19 disrupted many students’ and faculty members’ plans for the final weeks of the spring 2020 semester. Burks said it was disappointing not being able to finish in person. However, he said being able to apply what he learned was the perfect finish. “It was a fantastic ending to my college career,” Burks said. “Having four years of a bunch of hypotheticals, and I finally get to finish the very end, the last half of my last semester, applying that knowledge to help people who are actually in need during something that is worldwide. That was neat.” Senior Cody Smith commented on the dedication of the department. “The engineering program at Harding is focused on hands-on experience,” Smith said. “The entire Harding community is connected to the Searcy community. Any time that we can do a real life project and help the community is always a win-win.” FOR
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