CSUS graduate student 3D-prints PPE for Michigan medical workers

Amanda Sorensen<soren109@msu.edu> - May 01, 2020

Laura Castro-Diaz is participating in an MSU initiative to 3D-print personal protective equipment for medical workers.

Part of a 3D-printed medical face shield — One of Laura's and Emiliano’s 3D-printed face shield frames

Department of Community Sustainability graduate student, Laura Castro-Diaz, has been participating in an MSU wide initiative to 3D-print personal protective equipment (PPE).

Laura, who has been volunteering with her partner, Emiliano Deustua, says of their participation, “We decided to be involved in the program because we were wondering what we could do to help during these crazy times. We saw on social media and the news that people worldwide were 3D printing items to support medical workers.”

Laura Castro-Diaz and Emiliano Deustua — Laura Castro-Diaz (left) and Emiliano Deustua (right)

Laura, having a 3D printer at home, thought that there was a way they could also help print PPE equipment. That’s when, Laura says, “we found that MSU was part of this big initiative to print PPE for hospitals and we decided to join them.”

Laura and Emiliano have been using their 3D printer to create the frames for medical face shields. These items are being donated to medical facilities around Michigan that are in need of PPE for their frontline healthcare workers.

Laura and Emiliano’s work is a part of a broader volunteer initiative across MSU, with many participants and suppliers across the university.