Integrative STEM Education Alumni Produce Necessary Medical Equipment for NJ Hospitals

A group of TCNJ Integrative STEM Education alumni are part of a larger group of educators creating Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for front line responders to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Northern-New Jersey and Greater NYC areas. Inspired by an online movement to “Hack the Pandemic,” Jason Erdreich ’15, a teacher for 6-8th grade engineering and K-12 technology engineering & design coordinator for Madison Junior School, started with a couple small, personal 3D printers he received permission to bring home from work to produce necessary PPE.  He then started working with Matt Garrera ‘15 and their fellow STEM education counterparts in Chatham and Livingston schools, many of whom are TCNJ alumni (see the full list below), to produce face masks, face shields, and ear guards . The group produces about 1,000 pieces a week for local hospitals and first responders, using 3D printers, CNC mills, and laser cutters. Not only are they producing these materials, but the enterprising Erdreich has designed their own PPE prototype based on feedback from frontliners.  Their efforts have contributed to thousands of donations to local health centers and groups.