Harrisburg University professor who created 3D-printed face shields dies of COVID-19

Following months of spending nearly every weekend since April working on producing 3D-printed face shields for front-line workers, Harrisburg University professor Charles Shearrow died Tuesday from his own battle with COVID-19.

Known as Chip to family, friends and colleagues, the 61-year-old was the Advanced Manufacturing Program lead professor at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. When personal protective equipment began to run low for front-line workers, Shearrow immediately began problem-solving.

His solution was to teach his students how to make 3D-printed face shields, which were distributed to first responders and long-term care workers through partnerships with medical organizations. In a statement released by Harrisburg University on Wednesday, officials said he and his team produced 2,300 of them.

Born and raised in Ohio, Shearrow’s ability to create something out of nothing was evident from his childhood years, his cousin David Shearrow said. David, who now lives in Nashville, Tennessee, said he and Chip were the same age and remained in touch until about two weeks ago, when they last texted.

“He was an extremely creative and intelligent person,” David said. “Whether it was construction or mechanics or unique solutions; he just thought in a different way than most people. His parents had property in the country in southern Ohio. We’d go out in the woods and play. When we were 9 or 10 years old, we had decided to build a treehouse. He was just throwing everything up, and I didn’t even know how to use a hammer. Even at that young age, he showed an aptitude to build and of being a mechanical genius. I’m going to miss him dearly.”

Shearrow received his bachelor of science degree in technology education, master’s in science in technology education and his Ph.D. in technology all at Ohio State University.