With support from a $50,000 Alliance COVID-19 grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, professional engineers and University of Alberta professors Dr. Patricia Dolez and Dr. Cagri Ayranci, in collaboration with chemistry professor Dr. Mark McDermott, began testing on an advanced textile treatment that will enable personal protective equipment, like masks and gowns, to kill COVID-19 on contact. “I wanted to do something to help.” – Dr. Patricia Dolez, P.Eng.
Professional engineer Chris Terriff and his business partner Dr. Marc Curial invented and produced a portable aerosol containment tent to keep people safe while treating COVID-19 patients. The device is now being sold to hospitals across Canada. This work earned Terriff a spot on Edmonton’s Top 40 Under 40 list, as selected by Edify magazine.
The pandemic halted delivery of two programs that provided vital mental health supports to new moms. Dr. Mohammad Moshirpour, a professional engineer and University of Calgary professor, teamed up with registered nurse and U of C professor Dr. Linda Duffett-Leger to develop computer software that enables the programs to be delivered virtually. “Engineers and nurses are practitioners in the business of taking some sort of science and applying it to solve problems.” – Dr. Mohammad Moshirpour, P.Eng.
When the pandemic began, Dr. Rafiq Ahmad, a professional engineer and University of Alberta professor, assembled a COVID-19 mobile respirator design team. Using equipment it could easily source—a snorkeling mask, hoses, a battery- powered fan, and an A95 filter system—the team invented a mask that protected front-line workers from airborne coronavirus droplets. The team partnered with Alberta Innovates, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and a manufacturing company to bring the device to market.
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