Zi Chen is striving to develop the next generation mask

A team of researchers around Branco Weiss Alumnus Zi Chen has been selected as one of the ten finalists in BARDA’s Mask Innovation Challenge Phase II. Led by Dr. Zi Chen, StaySafeNow, has developed a reusable and cost-effective clear mask that is intended to reduce the spread of respiratory viral pathogens by blocking the two-way transmission of high-velocity jets of viral droplets while achieving high filtration efficiency and breathability. Researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital also designed a mechanism for easy switching of the filter for optimal protection and the clear shield to be inclusive for those with hearing difficulties or communication disabilities.

BARDA is short for Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority. For the challenge, BARDA partners with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and the National Institute of Standards and Technologies (NIST). The goal of the Mask Innovation Challenge is to support the development of evidence-based and scientifically validated mask designs for future pandemics and public health emergencies, while striving to support sustained innovation for masks. There are around 1500 teams that participated in phase I and II of BARDA’s Mask Innovation Challenge.

Dr. Zi Chen has recently taken up a new position as Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, USA.

Read the news on the BARDA portal

Read more about the Mask innovation Challenge