Charged 2026

Author: Bavisha Rajesh

  • The Mask Against COVID-19

    Dr. Sundaresan Jayaraman, a professor in the School of Materials Science and Engineering, here at Georgia Tech worked on finding a form-fitting mask that provided superior protection against respiratory viruses like COVID-19. These masks, which have been in development even before the COVID-19 pandemic, aim to provide a comfortable way to wear masks and still provide the most protection against foreign particles. The masks use a combination of barrier filtration material and stretchable fabric in order to hold their shapes and be form-fitting for their users. The barrier filtration is made from a moisture-wicking material that allows for the material to fit the user’s face without causing any restriction to the nasal airways and speech. The stretchable material provides holds for the ears and positions the mask on the face correctly. The mask also uses electrospun nanofibers to filter out the smallest particles, which makes it more effective than the N95 respirators. The main flaw that N95 respirators have is that it leaks air around the edges allowing for virus particles to be breathed in by the users. The leakage problem also causes discomfort to the user, where users eyeglasses would fog up and constant adjustment of the mask can dissuade users from wearing a mask in public. 

    The Form-Fitting Mask created by Dr.Jayaraman and his team Photo Credit: Christopher Moore, Georgia Tech

    I got the pleasure to work with Dr.Jayaraman and his colleague Dr.Sungmee Park when creating presentations for The Devil Wear Science event. As the event was a part of the Atlanta Science Festival, we got to showcase the true effectiveness and design of the mask to the viewers. During the event, the models for the event which included my partner, Carrera Ortiz, wore masks that were connected to a device that showcased the effectiveness of the air filtration system that the mask had. The device showcases how little to no particle was able to get through. It was exciting for me to get to be so up close and personal with what the mask can do and its effectiveness of it. 

    During the show, Dr.Jayaraman shared the way, design, and thought process of creating the mask and his reason for doing so. Though the importance of a highly effective mask might not seem like a big thing today, as more and more countries are getting rid of mask-wearing policies, it was not the same that could be said about two years ago. When COVID-19 was at its peak around April and May of 2020, many countries started to notice the importance of the mask and funded a project that could lead to a more effective mask. Dr.Jayaraman and his past research placed him in a perfect position to fight against COVID-19. Overall, the work of Dr. Jayaraman and his team serves as a testament to the power of science in solving real-world problems. By creating a mask that is effective, comfortable, and sustainable, they have made a significant contribution to the ongoing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

    Sources: 

    Premium vector: People wearing medical mask: Vector illustration design, medical masks, nurse art. Pinterest. (2020, March 25). Retrieved May 3, 2023, from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/premium-vector–757378862321960976/

    Researchers redesign the face mask to improve comfort and protection. News Center. (n.d.). Retrieved May 3, 2023, from https://news.gatech.edu/news/2020/09/03/researchers-redesign-face-mask-improve-comfort-and-protection

    Tech researchers recruit for CDC Mask Study. News Center. (n.d.). Retrieved May 3, 2023, from https://news.gatech.edu/news/2021/08/27/tech-researchers-recruit-cdc-mask-study

  • From Chaos to Calm: The Benefits of Organizing Your Space

    Being a Georgia Tech student sure does come with its ups and downs. There are times during the semester when your life is great, you meet up with friends, finish your work early, and even sleep before 10 pm. On the opposite side, there are weeks where you have tests back-to-back along with a weekly lab report and group presentation all due on the same day. There are so many different types of stress that Georgia Tech students are experiencing at the same time. Whether it is stress within a relationship, academic stress, or even stress about missing a day at the gym, all these stress factors build up and end up decreasing your mental health and leading to depression.

    Though there are many things that can lead to an outlet of stress. A reliever of stress that some Georgia Tech students do is clean. Cleaning, often seen as a sign of a tedious and mundane task, has proven to be a powerful tool in reducing stress and anxiety. Cleaning gives a sense of peace in the calm. When the world around you seems to be in chaos, cleaning gives you a sense of control where you have power over certain objects in your life, and cleaning and getting rid of them makes you calmer and more controlled in your life. Even a simple task like clearing your desk or doing the dishes in the sink gives you that sense of control and thus reduces your level of stress. 

    “Brain Cleansing” Photo from Pixabay

    Cleaning also helps reduce sensory overload and improve focus. In the fast-paced world that we live in where our senses are constantly bombarded with stimuli, it can lead to high stress and anxiety levels. By cleaning, you remove unnecessary clutter and create an environment that is free from distraction. This can improve focus and reduce sensory overload. As cleaning can be a form of mindfulness, it allows you to focus on the present moment and forget about worries and anxieties. You can block out distractions and engage in a form of active meditation, which can help improve mental clarity and reduce stress. This mindfulness can have a lasting impact, as it helps to cultivate a positive mindset and promote feelings of calm and peace.

    Another reason that cleaning is important is that it can release of endorphins in the brain. Endorphins are neurotransmitters that are produced by the central nervous system, and they are responsible for reducing pain and increasing feelings of pleasure and happiness. When you engage in physical activity like cleaning, your brain releases endorphins in response. This release of endorphins can create a sense of euphoria and elation, commonly referred to as a “runner’s high.” The same phenomenon occurs during cleaning, as it requires physical movement and exertion. The satisfaction of completing a task, combined with the endorphin release, can create a sense of accomplishment and happiness. Endorphins are not only good for your mood, but they can also provide physical benefits. They can act as natural painkillers and boost the immune system, which can help reduce the risk of illness and improve overall health. The release of endorphins during cleaning can also help to reduce stress and anxiety, leading to a more relaxed and calm state of mind. In conclusion, cleaning can be a powerful tool to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Cleaning provides a sense of accomplishment, reduces sensory overload, and improves mental health and mindfulness. 

     

    Sources: 

    Brain mind clear – free vector graphic on Pixabay. (n.d.). Retrieved May 4, 2023, from https://pixabay.com/vectors/brain-mind-clear-help-support-7283928/

    How to release endorphins and what they are. How to Release Endorphins and What They Are. (n.d.). Retrieved May 4, 2023, from https://www.betterup.com/blog/how-to-release-endorphins

    The mental health benefits of a clean home. Newport Healthcare. (2023, January 26). Retrieved May 4, 2023, from https://www.newporthealthcare.com/resources/press/clean-home-benefits/