SUNY Canton Professor Joins Effort to Make Medical Face Shields, Opens Free 3D Printing Course

Canton, NY (03/31/2020) — SUNY Canton Professor Matthew J. Burnett of Saranac Lake has been making face shield components to help medical staff in the battle against COVID-19.

Like many 3D printing enthusiasts, Burnett heard about the need for personal protective equipment (PPE) at regional hospitals and immediately set machines up to produce components day and night. He has individually made more than 50 pieces since March 21.

"As hospitals in New York State are facing shortages of essential equipment for this crisis, makers across the state have been connecting and asking how best they can help," Burnett said. "We were on this from day one, and 3D printing is really a global movement."

Burnett is working closely with the Northern New York 3D Printing Network, which includes makers from Northwoods School, Saranac Lake High School and Lake Placid High School. He and his colleagues knew about critical shortages of PPE and saw themselves poised to help. In addition to his personal interest, the college has received calls to action to contribute printing services from the State University of New York and New York State Senator Patty Ritchie's Office.

The Graphic and Multimedia Design Professor is also offering free instruction for those who are interested in 3D modeling and printing. "Having an actual 3D printer is optional," Burnett said. "The first few lessons will focus on modeling only. Later lessons will discuss the printing portions of the process."

The course will be offered weekly from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays through Zoom and Blackboard. For more information, please email burnettm@canton.edu.

About SUNY Canton

SUNY Canton is Northern New York's premier college for career-driven bachelor's degrees, associate degrees and professional certificate programs. The college delivers quality hands-on programs in digital design, engineering technology, health, management and public service. Faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to outstanding academic credentials. As SUNY's leader in online education, SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses as well as 21 online degree programs. The college placed first in 14 categories in a SUNY-Wide Student Opinion Survey, most notably in career services, tutoring, library resources, and classroom facilities. The college's 15 traditional athletic teams compete at the NCAA Division III level as part of the North Atlantic Conference. SUNY Canton also offers varsity esports and cheerleading. For more information, visit www.canton.edu.

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