Though Birmingham-Southern students are currently on an extended spring break due to the spread of the coronavirus, one student is hard at work, helping test the Birmingham population.

Senior chemistry major Kaden Moore works at Assurance Scientific Laboratories, which has been researching the virus, developing tests, and, over the last few days, offering drive-thru testing services to the Birmingham area and patients who drive in from across the state.

“I have been directly involved in the testing of the virus and assisted in the development process of the actual tests, so it’s been interesting to see both sides,” Moore says. “Right now, I help in the extraction process for COVID-19 and in the handling and determination of both positive and negative samples.”

Moore first began his work at Assurance as an intern, but in February, he became an employee. Not only has Moore had first-hand experience in his major through the position – the crucial research development for a global pandemic makes what he’s doing more important now than ever.

The FDA granted Assurance the approval to begin testing on March 12, and the lab can test 10,000 samples each week with plans to increase that number. Drive-thru service began at their Bessemer and Vestavia Hills offices but has now been relocated to Church of the Highlands’ Grandview Campus.

“This opportunity has opened my eyes to a lot of things I wouldn’t have known about beforehand and provided me experience that will be unmatched by most people down the line,” Moore says.

His position at Assurance all began as a hands-on, lab experience that BSC encourages students to seek out. In the chemistry, biology, and physic departments in particular, students also have incredible resources in the classroom, including the chance to publish or present research alongside faculty.

“I think any science major has to get real world lab experience, regardless of their future plans,” Moore says. “I’m extremely thankful for this opportunity.”

You can keep up with BSC’s updates regarding COVID-19 at https://www.bsc.edu/coronavirus.html.

(Photo from Al.com.)