For Howard Payne University students Layton Pratt and Ryan Robertson, their journey to Spain began two years ago in Winebrenner Memorial Hall of Science working on an engineering project for class. While spending those two years designing and developing what would become AuroraGuard, a wearable device for antiviral and antibacterial disinfection, they had no idea they would be able to eventually present their work at an international level.

Pratt and Robertson are students of Dr. Martin Mintchev, professor of engineering and chair of HPU’s Division of Engineering. As part of project-based design courses in engineering science, the students wrote a research paper titled “Wearable Far UVC Technology for Continuous Dynamic Personal Protection on Demand,” which they ultimately presented in Tenerife, Spain, at the International Conference on Electrical, Computer, Communications and Mechatronics Engineering (ICECCME) this past summer. The conference was sponsored by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

Pratt, a junior from Spicewood majoring in engineering science and the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy, and Robertson, a senior from Euless majoring in engineering science, spent three days in Spain attending the conference and exploring the Canary Islands along with HPU’s faculty representative, Dr. Greg Hatlestad, associate professor of biology. The conference involved one day of physical presentations with online presentations the following two days. The keynote speaker at the conference was Gonzalo Piernavieja Izquierdo, the R&D&I (research, development and innovation) coordinator at the Canary Island Institute of Technology. He led a discussion on the positive impacts that the desalinization of saltwater has on the islands.

After attending the keynote session, those attending the conference split into smaller groups based on topics of interest. During this time, Pratt presented his and Robertson’s paper on their AuroraGuard design. The paper describes the device as “a technological alternative to the outdated PPEs” and “a minimally inconvenient and non-obstructive garment,” protecting the users and others “from harmful microorganisms due to the ‘aurora’ of Far UVC light emitted directly in front of their respiratory, hearing and ocular entrances, but away from them.”

Robertson spoke highly of Pratt’s presentation of their paper.

“Our presentation was definitely one of the clearest,” Robertson said. “And that is due to Layton’s preparation.”

Pratt was initially apprehensive about the trip, having never traveled internationally or presented anything at such a large scale.

“By viewing these challenges as opportunities,” reflected Pratt, “and with the encouragement from Dr. Mintchev, Dr. Hatlestad and Ryan, I learned I was worried for no reason at all.”

Robertson and Pratt were some of the only undergraduates participating at ICECCME, and the quality of their presentation displayed their preparation and professionalism.

“Layton and Ryan have done a remarkable job conceiving, designing and carrying out their project,” said Dr. Hatlestad. “It is quite the accomplishment to publish an engineering paper at an international conference while an undergrad.”

For Dr. Mintchev, the conference presentation is an affirmation of the Division of Engineering’s commitment to excellence.

“Their participation in this major IEEE international conference is yet another attestation of the high quality of our engineering programs,” said Dr. Mintchev. “The students presented to the world the first fully functional prototype of a wearable Far UVC garment, which can potentially become a major weapon in our continuous fight against airborne bacteria and viruses, including COVID-19.”

Alongside attending the conference, Pratt and Robertson were able to experience the culture of the Canary Islands. Their tour of the islands included volcanoes, lava pools, a 1,000-year-old tree and the Los Gigantes cliffs.

“I remember getting to see Los Gigantes and staring in awe for quite a while,” remarked Pratt. “They were one of the most beautiful things I have ever been able to see, and I am thankful for the experience.”

Robertson agreed, adding that they were proud to represent their university on an international stage.

“I am very blessed to have had this opportunity,” said Robertson. “Being able to represent HPU at an international conference on top of being able to engage in another culture on the other side of the world is something I will never forget.”

For more information about Howard Payne University, visit www.hputx.edu.