SAPPHIRES – August 2022

SAPPHIRES (Systemic, Anthro-centric Packages for Protecting Households In Realistic Exposure Situations) is an outgrowth of SPHERE collaborations. It’s led by Tami Bond at Colorado State University with co-investigators Christian L’Orange, Ellison Carter, Paul Francisco, Marilee Long, Erika Miller and Lori Shupe.

Before we started getting busy with projects, we reported on seed ideas and public service from our affiliates. Those reports are below in reverse chronological order.

John Volckens – September 16, 2020

Colorado State University

John Volckens is tackling viruses. He’s running mask-testing workshops and helped organize a National Academy workshop on airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2. John’s webpage

Delphine Farmer – July 9, 2020

Colorado State University

Delphine Farmer wants you to disinfect safely. Her research examines how cleaning products affect air chemistry in your home. Delphine’s video

Dan Giammar – April 22, 2020

Washington University in St. Louis

Dan is kicking off a new project to provide guidance to utilities who are considering alternative water supplies to supplement conventional systems. Those alternatives could include reuse and desalinated water. Dan’s website

Steve Simske – April 14, 2020

Colorado State University

Steve Simske is developing a “magic wand” that reads human gestures. When a child or other family member waves the wand, it’ll trigger a reading of environmental contaminants. Project website

Ashlynn Stillwell – April 5, 2020

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Ashlynn Stillwell is checking out how electricity and water use are changing in response to stay-at-home orders. On April 20, she’ll feature in the PBS documentary “PowerTripShow.”