When the novel coronavirus hit the United States in January, Virginia Tech faculty recognized the nation was on the brink of a COVID-19 pandemic that would affect the university and the entire Commonwealth of Virginia. By April, the university’s biomedical researchers developed their own method to detect the COVID-19 virus — a test that was flexible enough to circumvent the critical shortages of chemicals and reagents that stymied testing across the nation. Meanwhile, Virginia Tech engineers swiftly mounted a coordinated effort to design, produce, and test critical supplies, such as personal protective equipment and ventilator components. 

During this virtual HokieTalk, which took place on Sept. 30, 2020, four Virginia Tech researchers who had unparalleled views of the university’s early action in response to COVID-19 provide the inside scoop about obstacles and triumphs.