Pivoting to Help Our Community

 

  

During COVID-19, local biotech company Grace Bio-Labs quickly pivoted from biomolecular research to producing hand sanitizer and face masks. They hired OSU-Cascades students to help and together have produced 16,000 units of hand sanitizer.

When students began remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, biology major Risa Christie missed being in the thick of things. She’s active in student life and works in student government, so the change in her daily life was significant.

Local biotech company Grace Bio-Labs was in transition, too. Social distancing made business as usual impossible, and the community was in need. Their scientists pivoted from biomolecular research to producing hand sanitizer and face masks. When extra workers were needed for labeling and packaging though, they were hard to find.

Grace Bio-Lab leaders worked with the OSU-Cascades Career Development Center to share the job opportunities with students. Many students had recently lost lost part-time jobs time and needed additional income. In less than 24 hours, eight students, including Risa, were hired and on the job working to produce — at last count — 16,000 units of hand sanitizer.

“The work is rewarding,” said Risa, who anticipates applying to graduate schools soon. “It feels great to be out of the house and working, and to know that these products are available at St. Charles hospital and local stores, and helping to keep my friends and neighbors safe.”