Engineering students at the University of Kentucky College of Engineering Extended Campus at Paducah have not only adjusted to online courses, but Robert Harper and Coilin Bradley have also translated their research expertise into meeting the needs for personal protective equipment (PPE) in the Paducah area. Undergraduate researchers in Charles Lu’s lab, they are working with a network of organizations to 3D-print nearly 3,000 face shields. The effort has required the students to spend long hours printing in their own living rooms. However, their diligence is paying off: Four different area hospitals have already received the 3D-printed equipment.

Derek Englert, assistant professor of chemical engineering, is leading UK Paducah's 3D-printing contribution. He is training West Kentucky Community and Technical College volunteers on 3-D printing, machine maintenance, design and sourcing material. He is also coordinating UK's efforts with Sprocket, a lab for innovation in education, entrepreneurship and community learning in Paducah.