Bosco Tech Students are Using Technology Skills to Help Medical Professionals

Students in Bosco Tech’s Integrated Design, Engineering & Art (IDEA) technology program have designed and are producing, via the school’s 3D printers, face shields for those in the medical field who are potentially exposed to COVID-19 in their work.

The talented high school students have already created 10 shields, from senior Alejandro Pina’s own design, and are working to quickly produce several hundred more for the local medical community. Each shield is inscribed with a message of gratitude from the school to the doctor or nurse who will wear it.

The shortage of protective face coverings was something IDEA Chairman Luis Garza’s family knows firsthand. Mr. Garza’s sister, Dr. Judy Garza, a local doctor, shared her concern for the shortage with him and he, in turn, discussed it with his students. The students, who are currently engaged in distance learning, got right to work.

“Our students wanted to do something,” said Mr. Garza. “They have advanced skills for high school students and access to rapid prototype technology. It was a natural fit for them to use what they know to help. After Alejandro’s design was refined, his classmate, Maverick Henry, printed and cut the shield components on a CNC router. These kids produced something amazing while working safely and practicing social distancing.”

“At this time, we’re only limited by the amount of PLA, or polylactic acid we have,” said Mr. Garza of the plastic needed to print the protective gear. “We’d like to produce many more face shields and are asking alumni and friends to consider donating or sharing supplies.”

If you would like to donate or supply PLA for more shields, please click on the Donate button below.

Are You Interested in Requesting Face Shields? Please fill out the form Here to make your request.

Contact Mr. Garza at lgarza@boscotech.edu for more information about the project.

Special thanks to Br. Tom Mass, IDEA instructor who guided the students through the process, and Mr. Son Nguyen, owner of BNSONS Large Format Printing & Graphics, who donated the essential clear shield. Also, many thanks to Mr. Chris Miller, COO of The Paton Group, who has supplied PLA material, and to MakerBot who just sent word that they will also be donating PLA. With the help of our community, many health care professionals will stay safer in their work!

Don Bosco Technical Institute, 1151 San Gabriel Blvd., Rosemead, (626) 940-2000 or visit www.boscotech.edu.