Curtis Hoffmann, BYU microbiology and molecular biology student, found a way to leverage education to rebuild trust in our public health systems during the pandemic. He stumbled across Operation Outbreak, a pathogen outbreak simulation, and knew he needed to bring it to Utah County and Brigham Young University.

In Dr. Paul Frandsen’s lab, BYU College of Life Sciences student Andrew Sheffield filtered countless jars of environmental DNA. He had no idea that his hours of work and eye for detail would provide him with the skills to contribute to his community and make a difference during a world-wide pandemic.

Making thirteen stops three times a week and testing a whole lot of wastewater, these undergraduate students track the COVID-19 cases on BYU campus and in Utah County.

When the pandemic hit and classrooms across the country became virtual, foodservice professionals worked quickly and creatively to continue delivering school meals to every student.