MU’s Hacking COVID-19 Task Force Creates Equipment to Protect Health Care Workers

Kevin Gillis heard stories about hospitals that were overwhelmed by the COVID-19 outbreak and unable to get enough equipment to protect their front-line health care workers. He wanted to do something to prevent that from happening in mid-Missouri. And as the interim chair of the University of Missouri’s Department of Biomedical, Biological and Chemical Engineering, he had a deep bench of innovative problem-solvers ready to help. The only question was how.

Task Force working to solve COVID-19 problems

For weeks, an interdisciplinary group of engineers, researchers, health care professionals and university leaders has been working behind the scenes to solve COVID-19-related problems.

May The Force Be With Them

Forty students from Columbia’s high schools, along with family members and other invited guests, met at the MU Agricultural Engineering Building Saturday for an Army Ants breakfast and game-reveal event. The gathering was the official kickoff to “Build Season” for the Army Ants robotics team, which is sponsored by the College of Engineering.

Army Ants wrap up an incredible year of FIRST Robotics

Army Ants, Columbia’s FIRST Robotics team, recently wrapped a tremendous academic year. The organization includes nearly 40 students from Columbia Public Schools alongside several adult mentors. That’s where Mizzou Engineering comes in. Biomedical, Biological and Chemical Engineering Professor Kevin Gillis has been a mentor for the organization since its foundation in 2011, including spending several years as its chief mentor.

Army Ants march to FIRST Robotics Championship event

The Army Ants FIRST Robotics team has been busy collecting awards and accolades at competitions, and they’ll try to claim the biggest of all next month. The team recently qualified for the FIRST Championship in April in Houston by finishing in the semifinals of the Rocket City Regional in Huntsville, Ala.