ECU Coronavirus Support
East Carolina University’s mission to serve the public was on full display as the country came to grips with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic this spring. Students, faculty, staff and alumni sprang into action across the state. Whether it came to sourcing hand sanitizer for a homeless shelter, turning a personalized gift company into a face shield manufacturer, or bringing the gift of music to thousands on social media, our Pirates used their resources to help their communities in a time of need. Read more about their stories and how ECU’s research, economic development and community engagement efforts are aiding others during the pandemic.
CLINICAL TRIAL BEGINS
ECU, Vidant begin trial of COVID-19 treatment
A new clinical trial headed by an ECU infectious disease specialist at Vidant Medical Center aims to prevent COVID-19 from causing the type of lung damage in patients that is often fatal. Paul Cook, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at ECU’s Brody School of Medicine, began enrolling patients June 1 in a clinical trial investigating a new treatment aimed at preventing and shortening the duration of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). ARDS is a characteristic of COVID-19 that occurs when fluid builds up in the lungs and prevents oxygen from entering the bloodstream.
‘WE ARE FIGHTING’
ECU doctors, nurses and health care workers share stories from coronavirus front lines
ECU doctors, nurses and health care workers near and far are risking their lives to serve others during the coronavirus pandemic. From a nursing student working long shifts at an intensive care unit in Manhattan to a nursing home administrator caring for the elderly who are most at risk, these Pirates demonstrate sacrifice and resilience. They’re risking their own health — and their families’ — for the greater good. One Brody School of Medicine alumnus caring for potential COVID-19 patients worries about bringing the virus home to his newborn son. Another battles confusion over testing at his hospital in Catawba County. Here’s what makes them do what they do.
SOURCING SANITIZER
Collaborators get to work on meeting community need
As the residents of eastern North Carolina adapted to working from home and homeschooling, and the first cases of COVID-19 in Pitt and Beaufort counties were confirmed, community members began to look for ways to help. Facing a potential shortage of hand sanitizer, Dr. David Collier, professor of pediatrics and health disparities at East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine, had ordered a large supply of glycerin. Dr. Todd Jackson, director of pharmacy at ECU Physicians, had already begun compounding sanitizer with ingredients he had on hand and what he could source from the labs of other faculty members.
PRINTING PROTECTION
ECU team works to make safety equipment for medical professionals
A group of East Carolina University students has teamed up with faculty and administrators from various departments in hopes of providing needed safety equipment to medical personnel. With concerns over possible shortages of masks and face shields to protect against COVID-19, the team is working to develop such equipment through the use of three-dimensional printers in ECU’s Innovation Design Lab (IDL).
SOUND INSTRUCTION
Trumpet professor reaches students across eastern North Carolina
Middle and high school musicians at home because of the coronavirus pandemic are learning from East Carolina University trumpet professor Gabriel DiMartino on TikTok, an app for sharing short videos. Providing information is part of the School of Music’s commitment to community, DiMartino said. “It’s a good way to engage people now that they’re home, and it’s a place they already are,” he said.
A FAMILIAR FACE
Principal builds community virtually with elementary school students
With schools closed across the state, children and parents are trying to navigate a new world of online learning amid the coronavirus pandemic. “Principals have had to rethink how they lead in ways that are creative and positive,” said Dr. Marjorie Ringler, chair of the ECU College of Education’s Department of Educational Leadership. “I have talked to several principals and they are concerned about providing meals to their students, providing devices for learning at home, helping with internet access, and providing training and tools for teachers to use for teaching online.” Pirate alumnus and current principal Donald Wyatt has tackled this problem head-on.
COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY
ECU grad and entrepreneur shifts focus to help local medical community
A recent East Carolina University graduate and small business owner has started making face shields to help the local medical community during the COVID-19 crisis. Taylor Walden owns Simple and Sentimental, a Greenville-based online and storefront operation that creates unique, personalized gifts. Before the pandemic, its operation was running smoothly. “We were in the process of acquiring new suppliers to get our product costs down and planning out the rest of the year,” said Walden, who earned a business administration degree in 2019. “We were shipping out 50 orders per day.”
RESILIENT RESEARCH
ECU faculty figuring out new ways to continue research during sheltering
Despite the challenges brought on by COVID-19, many ECU researchers are finding ways to carry out their work, even if it means leaving their wet labs high and dry. On March 23, the university transitioned from in-person instruction to alternative course delivery in efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. Courses moved from the hallways of Bate and Howell to virtual classrooms on Zoom, Canvas and Blackboard. However, Pirate researchers were left with the same question — what do I do with my lab?
