Extending the Life of a Face Mask 

With support from the National Science Foundation, Helen Zha (pictured), assistant professor of chemical and biological engineering, Edmund Palermo, assistant professor of materials science and engineering, and a team of graduate students are exploring ways to equip N95 respirator masks with antiviral properties and the ability to withstand sterilization to address shortages of personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learn more about the ongoing research, which Zha and Palermo discussed during a COVID-19-focused Rensselaer Research Showcase.