GW Cares
Our Community Responds
The GW Cares update provides examples of how our community is addressing the coronavirus pandemic, including stories of caring from our institution and its people.
For nearly 200 years GW has worked across disciplines for the common good. This continues to be a hallmark of the GW community. We hope that you and your loved ones remain safe and healthy and that you find inspiration and value from the stories and engagement opportunities that follow.
Caring for Our Community
Online Guide Connects D.C. Community to Pandemic Resources
In March, fourth-year medical student Harleen Marwah rallied a group of her School of Medicine and Health Sciences classmates to craft “D.C. COVID Connect,” an online guide offering accurate information about COVID-19 in the Washington, D.C., area. Today 70 medical students and faculty post daily transportation updates, information about testing facilities, self-care and wellness resources, and volunteer opportunities.
Helping Keep Amtrak on Track
Researchers at Milken Institute School of Public Health are working with Amtrak to provide ongoing technical expertise and guidance to enhance its comprehensive coronavirus pandemic response. “We look forward to sharing knowledge and data to help Amtrak navigate this ever-changing environment as a result of the widespread coronavirus,” says Melissa J. Perry, professor and chair of the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at GWSPH.
GW to Conduct Clinical Trial for COVID-19 Experimental Vaccine
The university will participate as a trial site in a Phase 3 clinical trial of the mRNA-1273 vaccine, co-developed by scientists from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the biotechnology company Moderna, Inc. GW is one of approximately 90 sites in the U.S. selected to take part in clinical trials.
Can We Socially Distance in the Office?
Melissa Perry, Chair of the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at GW’s Milken Institute School of Public Health, comments on the psychological challenges of socially distancing in the workplace.
GW Cares Student Assistance Fund
As the impacts of COVID-19 continue to unfold and affect daily life, many in the GW community are showing support for students by giving to this fund, which assists any undergraduate or graduate student facing financial hardship, including in paying for housing, food or technology expenses; offsetting income from lost part-time jobs; or subsidizing transportation for those traveling home to complete the spring semester virtually.
The Latest from GW Science and Health
GW Labs Leading COVID-19 Vaccine Trials in D.C.
As part of a nationwide effort, GW is conducting Phase 3 clinical trials for the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Moderna and the National Institutes of Health. Dr. David Diemert, professor of medicine, who is co-leading the vaccine trial process with Manya Magnus, professor of epidemiology, says he is “cautiously optimistic.”
Which Office Safety Techniques Really Matter?
While the private sector has stepped in with new tools and strategies to slow the spread of COVID-19, technological solutions can only go so far. David Michaels, professor of environmental and occupational health at GWSPH, says “the most important emphasis should be on controlling airborne exposure.” He notes that more effective mechanisms of reducing airborne transmission are indoor masking, maintaining distance, and increasing airflow.
Miniature Device Could Instantly Diagnose COVID-19
GW researchers from the School of Engineering and Applied Science and Milken Institute School of Public Health have developed a miniscule device that could allow public health professionals to use cell phones to immediately diagnose and track COVID-19 infection. They recently received a $50,000 COVID-19 Technology Maturation Grant to bring their sensor to market faster.
An Easy-to-Use Guide to Assessing Risk in a Pandemic
Is going to the dentist more dangerous than grocery shopping? James Phillips, assistant professor of emergency medicine at GW’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences, helped create the COVID-19 Risk Index, a color-coded chart that compares the relative risks of everyday activities.
Bright Lights
Photos That Will Last a Lifetime
Sonali Shukla, a Class of 2020 Milken Institute School of Public Health graduate student, was having a hard time taking photos in her regalia in front of the Lincoln Memorial. A local photographer saw her struggling and offered to take her photo and send it to her afterwards. The email she shared wasn’t working, so the photographer turned to Twitter in a search for Sonali, and 1,600 retweets later, Sonali got her photo. Class of 2020, we’ll see you next year on the National Mall!
A Graduation Stage of His Own
After 17 years of dedication and hard work, Darnell Lee earned an Ed.D. from GW’s Graduate School of Education and Human Development in March. He wasn’t able to walk across the Commencement stage like he had dreamed, but his family and friends gave him a celebration he won't forget.
A Moment of Honor: Light a Virtual Candle
The GW community is invited to honor the memory of someone you have lost or recognize the courage of someone who has cared by lighting a virtual candle. The GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The GW Medical Faculty Associates, and GW Hospital created this special dedication for reflection by our GW community.