UC engineering student's co-op job shifts to making face masks

Sasse took on the challenge and researched various existing designs to make a prototype sewn cotton face mask from materials widely available. Ultimately, they settled on a modified version of a design from a hospital system in Iowa. The mask Sasse created uses a bent paper clip for adherence on the wearer’s nose and elastic hair ties to attach the mask around the ears. The design includes space to insert a HEPA filter.

“I was involved in the prototyping and making a mask – despite never sewing much in my life – and showing management what they look like and how easy they would be to produce,” Sasse said. 

Some of the company’s employees in customer service were skilled in sewing as a hobby and have been using their personal sewing machines to produce the masks based on Sasse’s prototype. In about a week, 100 masks were made, which will be distributed to the employees working on the shop floor, Sasse said. He expects another 100 masks to be completed within another week. Workers can also bring masks home for their family members. 

Sasse continues to oversee the project to keep the effort rolling smoothly, ensure supplies are on hand, and update the management team on progress. The mask initiative is in addition to his regular responsibilities in manufacturing support in the tooling components division. He troubleshoots problems with machines on the shop floor and implements new robot programs for different parts being produced, among other tasks.

Inspired by his grandfather, a mechanical engineer, Sasse gravitated to engineering as a field of study. Electrical engineering appealed to him and he picked UC in large part because of the required co-op program in the College of Engineering and Applied Science. 

“Co-op has helped me narrow down what industries I think I could fit in and what I might enjoy doing full-time,” Sasse said.

In addition to his current role at Jergens, Sasse has also completed a co-op at Northrop Grumman. An athlete through high school, Sasse has been involved with various athletic pursuits as a college student, including serving as vice president of the UC handball club, playing intramural soccer and playing Australian-rules football through a Cincinnati organization. 

Sasse expects to graduate in 2021 and is keeping his options open beyond graduation, but is considering eventually earning his MBA. 

“I could see myself in a managerial role one day, especially after this project at Jergens,” he said.