Nov. 13, 2020, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – David Edwards’ educational journey started at Grand Rapids Community College and eventually led to him teaching at Harvard University. Now he’s working on slowing the spread of COVID-19 and is looking to GRCC to help.
Edwards is an aerosol scientist and inventor, and taught in Harvard’s John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. He’s now the CEO of Sensory Cloud, a Boston-based technology startup company designing solutions to problems of wellbeing and healthcare focusing on respiratory biology.
GRCC students have an opportunity to participate in a national study of one of Edwards’ products. FEND is an over-the-counter saline mist meant to be inhaled through the nose, slowing down or stopping various aerosol molecules from entering the nasal passage.
“Dr. Edwards is another example of someone using a GRCC education as the foundation for an amazing career and making a difference in the world during a difficult time,” GRCC President Bill Pink said. “We are excited to be a part of this study, because the safety and wellness of our community is paramount. But it is also inspiring to see how a GRCC graduate is playing a role in battling this pandemic.”
Edwards believes the FEND can be effective in slowing the spread of COVID-19, especially when used in conjunction with face coverings, social distancing and other precautions.
The son of former GRCC chemistry professor Ronald Edwards, David Edwards said GRCC is special to him, and he asked if the college could be the Midwest location for a groundbreaking study on the product.
“I remember as a little kid coming to the community college and eventually studying there,” he said. “I’m really thrilled to be coming back and to lead this opportunity for this really important hygiene COVID-19 study. This is about hygiene and how we can lead the cleanest possible lives we can on campus and off. We’re learning a lot about what that means, and there are important breakthroughs all around us.”
Edwards started working on the product several years ago in response to threats from anthrax, but now believes it can be effective in thwarting COVID-19 infection.
His study will consider the air around us and droplets formed in our lungs, and how they can be a factor in spreading the virus.
“There’s no panacea here as far as avoiding infection,” he said. “There are four elements of good hygiene. One is hand sanitizing. The second is obviously masks. The third is social distancing. And the fourth now is airway cleansing. All four of those are important. It’s like a series of walls we’ve set up to protect ourselves.”
GRCC students have the opportunity to participate in the work, which is planned for Sneden Hall on the DeVos Campus between 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Nov. 16-17.
Participants will earn $15 for 30 minutes of their time and will be provided with a parking voucher. The company also is offering a $10 referral bonus to anyone who brings a friend on Monday and Tuesday.
Registration is available online at HelloFEND.com/pages/Research; select the Grand Rapids study. Participants will be asked to select a time, then to complete consent forms and submit additional information.
After graduating from what was then Grand Rapids Junior College in 1981, Edwards earned a Bachelor of Science from Michigan Technological University and a doctorate from Illinois Institute of Technology, both in chemical engineering.
He taught at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Penn State University before joining the Harvard faculty for 16 years, starting in 2002.
Through Sensory Cloud, Edwards explores ways of delivering health and wellness, often through the air, in drug, vaccine, food and scent forms, and with environmental sustainability.
He has earned international recognition, including being honored as a Chevalier of Arts & Letters by the French Ministry of Culture, is a member of the National Academies of Engineering in the United States and France, and a member of the National Academy of Inventors.
Grand Rapids Community College offers learners of all ages opportunities to gain credits for degrees or transfer and in-demand career skills leading to rewarding careers. GRCC was established in 1914 – Michigan’s first community college -- and offers affordable classes on weekdays, evenings, Saturdays and online at locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties.