Logan Forquer, mechanical engineering student in the Statler College, has played a critical role in producing personal protective equipment for medical professionals in the local area, producing nearly 500 face shields a day. WVU Photo/Olivia Miller
What’s the news?
A West Virginia University student has taken multitasking to a new level during the COVID-19 pandemic, producing 500-600 face shields for healthcare workers in a single day, while also balancing five classes in the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources.
Logan Forquer, an upcoming junior studying mechanical engineering and student worker at the Innovation Hub, made the protective gear over the past month using a high-power Waterjet that cuts the components of the face shields from large sheets of polycarbonate. He rigged a GoPro above the WaterJet so he can watch a live view of the machine on an iPad while working in the next room. This allowed Forquer to assist other staff members in the Hub, do class work or study for his final exams.
Quotes and comments
“It’s bigger than anything I could have ever imagined. I’ve learned how to use so many pieces of equipment we have at the Innovation Hub. It’s just been so great to help the community.
“The WaterJet has all kinds of fail safes. So, I’ve been sitting doing my homework while it’s running. I’m right there, so I can hear or see if anything goes wrong or if something needs changed. I can run over and do that really quick and get back to my homework.”- Logan Forquer, upcoming junior mechanical engineering student
“Logan has worked for me for over two years, he is a smart, dedicated and hardworking young man who has always risen to any challenge he has been given. It has truly been a pleasure working with him and watching him come into his own as an engineer.” – Josh Bintrim, Innovation Hub shop manager
Resources
Link to original story: An unexpected end to the semester: WVU engineering student balances course load with creating protective gear for health care workers
Learn more about WVU’s Innovation Hub
Read about the mechanical and aerospace engineering program
Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources website
Audiences
- Healthcare professionals and managers
- Policy makers
- Current and prospective college students
- Families of current and prospective college students
- Engineers
-WVU-
rad/om/05/7/20
CONTACT: Paige Nesbit
Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources
304-293.-4135; paige.nesbit@mail.wvu.edu
Call 1-855-WVU-NEWS for the latest West Virginia University news and information from WVUToday.
Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.