Kristin DeJohn/ Freelance Writing

10/07/2020

This has a good overview of 'edtech':

We all know children use devices like smartphones, tablets, Chromebooks, and laptops at school and they also often use a vocabulary full of technology jargon that may seem completely foreign.

03/29/2020

Locals have come together to volunteer, creating protective equipment like this 3D printed mask. They have donated standard personal protective equipment (PPE) like N95 masks and other supplies. If you would like to help, the state of Massachusetts has a portal for donations of products AND for companies that would like to create critical parts/products. There is also a section for volunteers.
Please see the MA state press release below dated Sunday, March 29:
------------------------------------------
Baker-Polito Administration Launches Online Portal for Personal Protective Equipment, Volunteers to Support COVID-19 Outbreak

Massachusetts Asks Organizations & Residents to Contribute to the COVID-19 Response

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration announced an online portal where individuals and companies can easily donate or sell personal protective equipment (PPE) and volunteer to support the COVID-19 outbreak in Massachusetts. This effort will ensure that front line responders get the protective equipment they need to stay and push for more trained volunteers to join the response.

“Massachusetts has already received generous donations from countless organizations, and by launching this portal we’ll make it easier to streamline these offers and quickly distribute supplies to those in need,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We also need more volunteers to help support our response to this unprecedented public health emergency, and urge people to sign up to lend a hand. Our administration will continue making every effort to secure supplies from all possible resources to support our front line workers during these tough times.”

The Commonwealth’s COVID-19 PPE Procurement and Donation Program creates an easy portal allowing companies and organizations to sell or donate protective equipment that is in short supply given the global demands for such items.

https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-ppe-procurement-and-donation-program?fbclid=IwAR17Bqo2wjk-ni_4iLrPN7HdIjsCLEYOtLBziw5zMoE3i2ZW4F8b4HPWJYI

By visiting the COVID-19 PPE Procurement and Donation website, businesses and organizations can offer for purchase or donation critically needed personal protective equipment, including:

N95/N99 masks (respirators)
Surgical/procedure masks
Facemasks with integrated shields
Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPR)
Goggles
Gloves
Protective suits/gowns
Booties/shoe covers
Headcovers
Hand sanitizer
Sanitizing wipes

The initiative announced today bolsters current efforts to leverage traditional and emergency supply chain channels.

“We have a constant demand and need for personal protective equipment (PPE) available to our medical, first responder and essential service communities. Over the past week, hundreds of deliveries of PPE have been made to front line health care providers, and first responders, but we need so much more,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders, the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 Command Center Director. “Last week more than 28,000 masks, and 120,000 pairs of gloves were distributed, and we’ve placed more than $50 million in orders for additional supplies. We are also waiting on our third delivery from the Strategic National Stockpile.”

The program also provides an entry point for local manufacturers to get more information on adapting their businesses to produce more equipment here in Massachusetts, an effort being led by the administration’s recently established Manufacturing Emergency Response Team, co-chaired by Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy, and Mike Tamasi, President and CEO of AccuRounds, a precision components manufacturer located in Avon, MA.

“It comes as no surprise that both manufacturers and university R&D partners across Massachusetts have stepped up during this challenging time to support those saving lives and provide logistical expertise toward stopping the spread of this virus,” said Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Mike Kennealy, Co-Chair of the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative. “This portal serves as a front door for companies that think their operations can be adapted to address manufacturing supply chain issues and produce the equipment needed by those on the front lines.”

A call for volunteers:

To support ongoing COVID-19 emergency response efforts, the Baker-Polito Administration has partnered with the Massachusetts Medical Society to match health and medical volunteers with our communities and health care providers based on skillsets and need. There is an immediate need for respiratory therapists and public health nurses, and the administration is asking health care professionals interested in volunteering to sign up by clicking here:
https://www.mass.gov/health-services-covid-19-volunteer-form?fbclid=IwAR2b1h9uJAK6G6KjK4WdmaLaDTNiFHkjx3oQQ9ldjkyIDpWhud7JZxXXC6M

Since launching the initiative, more than 1,000 people have already registered.

For more information on COVID-19, visit Mass.gov/covid19.
https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19?fbclid=IwAR35OZnn958HtvXo2kfsFJsbAWqTVoiTuoyb7ahaWgOOYXfcfwI3ot3oGg0

Get notifications to your phone or other mobile device by texting COVIDMA to 888-777.

03/25/2020

UPDATE: Urgent Need Continues!!!! EMERSON HOSPITAL has enough, but others would like them! Check with local medical staff/senior centers

Unfortunately, hospital and medical staff across the Boston area and nationally are being stretched to the limit. The need for additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is urgent. See below for ways to donate standard gear. There is also a massive effort underway NOW by local volunteers to support staff with hand-made sewn 100% cotton masks and 3D printed Face Shields.

The images below show a locally created 3D Face Shield from a volunteer who said 2 Liter bottles can be used as the shield. There are instructions below for sewing masks.
Here are just a couple of comments from medical staff who have made urgent please to the public and have brought these masks into their workplaces.

“Some of the nurses are now sewing masks ourselves and taking in masks that others have sewn to be proactive. At this point, nurses at Umass are reusing the same mask throughout our shift and most of us using the improper mask because of critical supply. If anyone is willing to sew them, I will take them and bring them in!”

“I can’t thank the people in this town enough for dropping supplies off today- we have about 40 n95 masks going directly to the UMASS ER tonight!”

You likely have a medical staff member in your neighborhood who can take donated items into their hospital workplace. Best to check with your local circles. There are also options to donate directly to hospitals (call first); The Auxiliary of Emerson Hospital created guidelines for masks they are requesting. Best to check with each contact or organization you may be able to donate assist during this time.

--------The information below is from a prior post and outlines a variety of tutorial/info links---------

In addition to PPE, there is a dire need for blood donations and ventilators.

What you can do to help:

1) Donate Blood through the American Red Cross
(It’s safe; see resource page below)

2) Donate any of the supplies mentioned above to a medical worker friend in need who can bring them into their place of work. (These should be staff in the hospitals directly treating patients) There is also the option of donating masks/respirators by calling 311; those living outside the city should call 617-635-4500.

3) If you work for a company that does 3D printing, you may be able to help the hospitals; Here is one version being printed by some for Emerson hospital using 2 Liter plastic bottles as the shield:
https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints/25857-prusa-protective-face-shield-rc2?fbclid=IwAR1uG0o2o8hfTO1WIb-l9_oCex2ZEI4ZtUW2P-Pimz1cTz9mawpmf_mu8fk

The larger hospitals are also seeking contacts with 3D printing capabilities; Here is background: Excerpt: "We have vast numbers of 3D printers in this country,"..."The formula for producing these masks is available online for free. I would hope companies across the country would, who would have that capability, would start making masks later this afternoon."

https://www.nbcboston.com/news/coronavirus/mgh-desperately-needs-supplies-president-says/2094292/?fbclid=IwAR21aTKeHOcf4R2XGNHwm3HSKRBBUf2RQGosJMNZpppA8s_F8gzMrj4MUwU

A couple other 3D Printing stories from Boston/or highlighting Boston:
https://www.nbcboston.com/on-air/as-seen-on/mgh-using-3d-printing-for-face-shields/2095730/

https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-3d-printed-face-mask-shield-healthcare-workers-2020-3 -how-theyre-printed-here-6

https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-the-3d-printing-industry-is-stepping-up-to-help-the-covid-19-response/

4) Do you sew?? Many medical personnel are having to ask friends and family to sew them masks as supplies are so low RIGHT NOW. The CDC has resorted to telling staff to use bandannas if needed. Critical shortage is leading to mask reuse. There are reports that some facilities in various locales around the country have literally run out of masks. There are several patterns, so it’s best to inquire with the medical staff you are working with about which type of mask to make (some prefer basic cotton blends which appear universally accepted; some like the added liners (but not all hospitals will take those) So, contact and inquire with the medical staff you are donating to. See resources below and information below for specific details and links.

----------------------------
RESOURCES/ LINKS:

American Red Cross/ Blood shortage-COVID-19:
https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/coronavirus--covid-19--and-blood-donation.html

Donating Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Check with local medical staff in your community to identify the best drop-off/pick-up. You may not have to leave your house, depending. Or call 311 in Massachusetts (617-635-4500 outside of MA); The following articles outline the critical shortage:

https://www.telegram.com/news/20200320/umass-to-allow-worcester-staff-to-reuse-masks-as-supplies-fall-to-critical-levels?fbclid=IwAR1wtbeIKXmFhVVcOrzUXINe2qhyd41mEouK9COzyMW9_gYtKs89WbHuB00

https://whdh.com/news/walsh-makes-urgent-plea-for-local-construction-companies-to-donate-masks-respirators-to-hospitals/

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health-care/hospitals-crowdsource-protective-equipment/?fbclid=IwAR1TMRb1Gy9XWufdwnBOY2QJL6543WGqWd8nOA0kS3U_UeFlapArTqxMmog #.XnZ-t74ajr4.facebook

If you sew, there are numerous individual hospital staff workers and hospitals collecting home-made masks. They may be your friend or neighbor. It’s best to check with your contact about mask preferences/patterns. Some hospitals have specific requirements that allow them to be washed, so best to check. For example, here is a Facebook post from the Auxiliary of Emerson Hospital in Concord, MA: (see post below):

----------[[[[ NOTE: EMERSON HOSPITAL is taking those still underway but doesn't need extra. Many others would still like them so best to check with your local contact]]]]]]]--------------------------------------

[UPDATE Emerson has enough; here was their original ]
SEE UPDATE / below is information that can still be used as a guide in general but send masks elsewhere]]]
https://www.facebook.com/emersonauxiliary/posts/10157784073700791?__tn__=K-R

ORIGINAL FACEBOOK Post: Due to the possibility of a shortage of face masks, Emerson Hospital needs the support of its community to sew and provide appropriate masks so medical personnel are protected while they treat patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The following link provides step-by-step instructions on how to make the mask approved by Emerson Hospital:
https://buttoncounter.com/2018/01/14/facemask-a-picture-tutorial/

Additionally, please follow these instructions:
Use good quality, tightly woven cotton fabric (i.e. quilting fabric). - PLEASE DO NOT USE FLANNEL OR LINE THE MASK WITH ANYTHING.

Elastic should be sturdy enough to tolerate multiple laundering. - YOU MAY MAKE THEM WITH TIES IF ELASTIC IS IN SHORT SUPPLY.

PLEASE DO NOT ADD PIPE CLEANERS OR TWIST TIES TO THE MASK.

Delivery Instructions:
Bring to Emerson Hospital’s main entrance and leave your items at the front desk. PLEASE DO NOT DELIVER TO JOANN FABRICS. WE MAY NOT GET THE MASKS.

Questions:
If you have any questions, please contact the Auxiliary of Emerson Hospital at [email protected]

Thank you for your generosity and support during this unprecedented time.

--------------UPDATE on March 22 ---Check their page for their specs---------------
Auxiliary of Emerson Hospital

Here is a video explaining how to add ties to the pattern from buttoncounter.com, you need about 32 inches on each side:

https://youtu.be/_BJSmNep9Zs

Mask Making Update:

We are overwhelmed with the outpouring of support from our community!

The mask pattern approved by Emerson Hospital was chosen for its simplicity and for its ability to be washed. Please do not add any embellishments, pipe cleaners, lining or filter material. Additionally, please use 100% cotton. T-shirt material and sheets are often a mix of fabrics. Please, no flannel.

Joann Fabrics has cotton material and may have some elastic. If elastic is not available, please make ties for the masks.

Drop off for the masks is at the Hospital’s main entrance. You may park briefly in the circle and drop at the front desk.

We are very thankful for every mask and for the support of our Emerson Hospital community.

03/22/2020

URGENT Need! If you or your online circles have any access to N95 masks, gloves, gowns, goggles/face shields (Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)), along with products like hand sanitizer, there is likely a friend or neighbor who works at a hospital who would love to take these items into their medical workplace as they take on the COVID-19 emergency. There are extreme shortages of the PPE that can protect them from getting sick themselves.

There is such a shortage that many medical staff are asking friends and neighbors to help sew home-made masks. This is not the hospitals' desired macro solution, but many staff members feel safer having these as options as new CDC guidelines are allowing for lower standards such as mask reuse and items like bandannas as backup options.

In addition to PPE, there is a dire need for blood donations and ventilators.

What you can do to help:

1) Donate Blood through the American Red Cross
(It’s safe; see resource page below)

2) Donate any of the supplies mentioned above to a medical worker friend in need who can bring them into their place of work. (These should be staff in the hospitals directly treating patients) There is also the option of donating masks/respirators by calling 311; those living outside the city should call 617-635-4500.

3) If you work for a company that does 3D printing, you may be able to help the hospitals; Here is one version being printed by some for Emerson hospital using 2 Liter plastic bottles as the shield:
https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints/25857-prusa-protective-face-shield-rc2?fbclid=IwAR1uG0o2o8hfTO1WIb-l9_oCex2ZEI4ZtUW2P-Pimz1cTz9mawpmf_mu8fk

The larger hospitals are also seeking contacts with 3D printing capabilities; Here is background: Excerpt: "We have vast numbers of 3D printers in this country,"..."The formula for producing these masks is available online for free. I would hope companies across the country would, who would have that capability, would start making masks later this afternoon."

https://www.nbcboston.com/news/coronavirus/mgh-desperately-needs-supplies-president-says/2094292/?fbclid=IwAR21aTKeHOcf4R2XGNHwm3HSKRBBUf2RQGosJMNZpppA8s_F8gzMrj4MUwU

4) Do you sew?? Many medical personnel are having to ask friends and family to sew them masks as supplies are so low RIGHT NOW. The CDC has resorted to telling staff to use bandannas if needed. Critical shortage is leading to mask reuse. There are reports that some facilities in various locales around the country have literally run out of masks. There are several patterns, so it’s best to inquire with the medical staff you are working with about which type of mask to make (some prefer basic cotton blends which appear universally accepted; some like the added liners (but not all hospitals will take those) So, contact and inquire with the medical staff you are donating to. See resources below and information below for specific details and links.

----------------------------
RESOURCES/ LINKS:

American Red Cross/ Blood shortage-COVID-19:
https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/coronavirus--covid-19--and-blood-donation.html

Donating Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Check with local medical staff in your community to identify the best drop-off/pick-up. You may not have to leave your house, depending. Or call 311 in Massachusetts (617-635-4500 outside of MA); The following articles outline the critical shortage:

https://www.telegram.com/news/20200320/umass-to-allow-worcester-staff-to-reuse-masks-as-supplies-fall-to-critical-levels?fbclid=IwAR1wtbeIKXmFhVVcOrzUXINe2qhyd41mEouK9COzyMW9_gYtKs89WbHuB00

https://whdh.com/news/walsh-makes-urgent-plea-for-local-construction-companies-to-donate-masks-respirators-to-hospitals/

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health-care/hospitals-crowdsource-protective-equipment/?fbclid=IwAR1TMRb1Gy9XWufdwnBOY2QJL6543WGqWd8nOA0kS3U_UeFlapArTqxMmog #.XnZ-t74ajr4.facebook

If you sew, there are numerous individual hospital staff workers and hospitals collecting home-made masks. They may be your friend or neighbor. It’s best to check with your contact about mask preferences/patterns. Some hospitals have specific requirements that allow them to be washed, so best to check. For example, here is a Facebook post from the Auxiliary of Emerson Hospital in Concord, MA: (see post below): [ EMERSON HAS enough now, but see their description of how they preferred masks to be created

----------[[[[ NOTE: EMERSON HOSPITAL has enough; will take those underway but don't need additional masks; other medical staff and organizations ARE STILL requesting so best to check locally]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]--------------------------------------

ORIGINAL FACEBOOK Post: [EMERSON has enough at this time; See other medical staff /organizations]
Due to the possibility of a shortage of face masks, Emerson Hospital needs the support of its community to sew and provide appropriate masks so medical personnel are protected while they treat patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The following link provides step-by-step instructions on how to make the mask approved by Emerson Hospital:
https://buttoncounter.com/2018/01/14/facemask-a-picture-tutorial/

Additionally, please follow these instructions:
Use good quality, tightly woven cotton fabric (i.e. quilting fabric). - PLEASE DO NOT USE FLANNEL OR LINE THE MASK WITH ANYTHING.

Elastic should be sturdy enough to tolerate multiple laundering. - YOU MAY MAKE THEM WITH TIES IF ELASTIC IS IN SHORT SUPPLY.

PLEASE DO NOT ADD PIPE CLEANERS OR TWIST TIES TO THE MASK.

Delivery Instructions:
Bring to Emerson Hospital’s main entrance and leave your items at the front desk. PLEASE DO NOT DELIVER TO JOANN FABRICS. WE MAY NOT GET THE MASKS.

Questions:
If you have any questions, please contact the Auxiliary of Emerson Hospital at [email protected]

Thank you for your generosity and support during this unprecedented time.

--------------UPDATE on March 22 ---Check their page for their specs---------------
Auxiliary of Emerson Hospital

Here is a video explaining how to add ties to the pattern from buttoncounter.com, you need about 32 inches on each side:

https://youtu.be/_BJSmNep9Zs

Mask Making Update:

We are overwhelmed with the outpouring of support from our community!

The mask pattern approved by Emerson Hospital was chosen for its simplicity and for its ability to be washed. Please do not add any embellishments, pipe cleaners, lining or filter material. Additionally, please used 100% cotton. T-shirt material and sheets are often a mix of fabrics. Please, no flannel.

Joann Fabrics has cotton material and may have some elastic. If elastic is not available, please make ties for the masks. [Deleted delivery request]

01/15/2020

Combating antibiotic resistance! My brother's company has teamed up with another in a challenge designed to ultimately help combat antibiotic resistance. Their goal is to develop 'a simple and rapid, host gene expression-based test that accurately distinguishes bacterial from viral infection.'

According to this article: "Discriminating between viral and bacterial infection is no easy task, which has contributed to the overuse of antibiotics and the rise of antibiotic-resistant organisms.... Currently available tests—including those based on the detection of antigens or amplification of a DNA target—miss most cases of bacterial infection."

Marc Dejohn's Biomeme, Inc. team is '1 of 5 finalist teams for the $19M AMR Challenge and the ONLY team focused on differentiating bacterial vs. viral infections.'
Good luck Biomeme!!

Excerpt: "This is Biomeme’s first foray into the human health space, Tsalik says, but it already had a CLIA-waivable platform ready for deployment in a clinical environment. The battery-operated device is the size of a Bluetooth speaker with a smartphone readout and was developed with funding from the DoD."

Check out their website and LinkedIn page for more info:
https://biomeme.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/biomeme-inc/

January 2, 2020 | A Duke University spin-out company is putting the last touches on a host response bacterial-viral test entering the final leg of the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Diagnostic Challenge of the National Institutes of Health Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic In...

11/22/2019

The FIRST LEGO League robotics season is under way!
And the robots are ready to roll for one of the first local events of the 2019-2020 season. The theme this year is "RISE: The Force is Building" (Powered by Star Wars/Force for Change) The FLL specific theme is "City Shaper.'

One of the local qualifier events gets underway tomorrow (Nov. 23) at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School in Marlborough. The Aztechs FIRST Robotics team members are great hosts. (photos from 2016)

To follow or post various FIRST events locally, join the STEAM Events Massachusetts Facebook group: (feel free to post other STEAM events also! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1364684820303126/

(I'll post various photos/videos I take; Feel free to add photos if you have a team!))
Thanks as always to NE FIRST for coordinating events in this areas.

08/12/2019

We were on our way back from a school activity when we found this snapping turtle trying to cross the school yard past a fence and a softball practice; check out it’s somewhat hindered journey:

06/17/2016

Just testing out this page; I'm not actually using it yet, so contact me at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristindejohn

View Kristin DeJohn’s professional profile on LinkedIn. LinkedIn is the world's largest business network, helping professionals like Kristin DeJohn discover inside connections to recommended job candidates, industry experts, and business partners.

05/04/2016

http://blog.empow.me/stem-vs-steam-does-it-matter/

Navigating STEM, STEAM and ‘Next Generation’ Learning “I want to be an engineer,” beamed my 12-year-old daughter. Two minutes later …

03/09/2016

If you're viewing this page, thanks! I haven't sent it around; mainly just testing it out. :) I have no openings for contract work at the moment, but that changes, of course.

03/29/2015

http://www.ourbodiesourselves.org/about/contributors/kristin-dejohn/

Kristin DeJohn, an award-winning writer and television producer, has been honored by the American Medical Association and by the Alliance for Women in … More