College of Sciences & Technology Donates Gloves, Lab Coats to Houston Methodist
By Mike Emery
The need for basic supplies at area hospitals is at an all time high with increased COVID-19 testing. To support one of the city’s most prominent medical institutions—Houston Methodist Hospitals—the Greater Houston Partnership (GHP) put out the call for donations.
Among those who were quick to respond were faculty members at the University of Houston-Downtown’s College of Sciences & Technology.
After seeing the GHP request, Dr. Akif Uzman, Dean of the College of Sciences & Techonogy, worked with faculty Dr. Rachna Sadana, chair of the Department of Natural Sciences and lecturer and Natural Sciences Lab Manager (not to mention an alumna) Mehdi Esmaeiliyan to identify items to donate. Through their efforts, the College provided 4,500 pairs of disposable gloves and 390 disposable lab coats to the renowned hospital.
“Hospitals everywhere are in desperate need of disposable protective wear as hospital staff come in contact with COVID-19 patients in and outside of the hospital. Hospital doctors, nurses, and custodial staff are at the front lines of this pandemic,” Uzman said. “As we protect them, they help Houston mitigate the impact of this pandemic here in Houston.”
According to Uzman, the donation also represents the College’s longtime appreciation for Houston Methodist and other members of the Texas Medical Center (TMC). Many UHD alumni are contributing to the fight against COVID-19 at TMC institutions, so this contribution was particularly meaningful.
And for Esmaeiliyan, who was on campus to ensure the pick-up of the gloves and lab coats, the gesture was indicative of the College’s longtime giving nature.
“This has been the culture of the College and the Department of Natural Sciences,” Esmaeiliyan said. “I experienced it as a student and now, as a staff member.”
The responses from Houston Methodist speak volumes of the impact these donations will have as they work to help Houstonians.
“It's critical that we can continue to supply our healthcare workers with protective equipment so they can continue to provide care to our patients,” wrote Mindy LaRussa, project manager for supply chain at Houston Methodist, in a message to Uzman. “Thank you for helping us with this cause.”
The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is the second-largest university in Houston and has served the educational needs of the nation’s fourth-largest city since 1974. As one of four distinct public universities in the University of Houston System, UHD is a comprehensive, four-year university led by President Loren J. Blanchard. Annually, UHD educates approximately 14,000 students, boasts more than 66,000 alumni, and offers 45 bachelor’s degrees, 12 master’s degrees, and 19 online programs within four colleges: Marilyn Davies College of Business, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Public Service, and College of Sciences and Technology. UHD has one of the lowest tuition rates in Texas.
U.S. News and World Report ranked UHD among the nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Applied Administration and Best Online Master’s Programs in Criminal Justice, as well as a Top Performer in Social Mobility. The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranked UHD one of the best colleges in the U.S. for its 2024 rankings, with notable distinctions: No. 1 for diversity (tied) and No. 3 for student experience. The University is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a Minority-Serving Institution, and a Military Friendly School. For more information on the University of Houston-Downtown, visit uhd.edu.
