Speed School’s Tackett Played Key Role in PPE Manufacturing and Distribution

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer recognized Speed School of Engineering’s Ed Tackett among others for their contributions in helping to combat the COVID-19 pandemic at a Videoconference Media Briefing on October 29, 2020.

Tackett was part of the LOU COVID Rapid Response Group, comprised of a collection of manufacturers, suppliers, universities and individuals designing and manufacturing or 3D printing PPE for hospital systems in more than 10 states.

As Director of Workforce Development for Speed School’s AMIST (Additive Manufacturing Institute of Science and Technology) facility, Tackett worked with 80 student volunteers and more than 150 community volunteers to produce 3-D printed face shields and other needed items for first responders.

Tackett spoke at the conference, noting, “I couldn’t have done this alone. It was the willingness of people to help,” he said. “There were hundreds of people behind the scenes who helped with this effort, and I would like to thank each one of them individually for the compassion they demonstrated in our time of need.”

UofL President Neeli Bendapudi also spoke at the briefing. “I am pleased and quite proud that the University of Louisville and this community of manufacturers came together to provide resources for our health care workers who are working so hard to care for all of us during this pandemic. This work is a great example of how the researchers and innovators at UofL translate their knowledge to provide an immediate, tangible benefit to our community,” she said.

Click to learn more about Ed Tackett or Speed School’s PPE COVID -19 response.