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LA Tech Freshman Creates Ear Guards For Healthcare Workers

Posted at 7:22 AM, Apr 20, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-20 08:22:24-04

RUSTON — One Louisiana Tech Freshman is doing her part to help in the fight against the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Medical Engineering Major, Avereigh Barras is 3-D printing ear guards for medical personnel.

She says she was inspired to create the devices after seeing a Canadian Boy Scout's invention that helped relieve the pressure of elastic bands on the ears of healthcare workers.

According to the University, Barras has created over 1,600 masks and has sent them to over 28 facilities in seven states including Mississippi, Arkansas, Illinois, Oregon, Texas, and California.

“The game plan,” Barras says, “is to just keep printing and shipping. All of the people who have received their mask strap extenders have loved them and say that they give them so much relief.”

She is on track to reach 2,000 masks in the first two weeks of manufacturing