This fall as students return to Jacksonville University, and some semblance of normal resumes, there will be a new addition to the incoming class. It may not be noticed at first. Designed to be as unobtrusive as possible, it could easily be mistaken for some kind smoke detector or intercom box, but while relatively small in size, this device has a very big job to do. In the spaces in which it’s been installed, the Aura Air purification system is being employed to purify and monitor indoor air quality.
As part of a pilot program between Jacksonville University and Israeli startup Aura Air, approximately 20 Aura Air purification units have been installed in interior spaces throughout campus. JU is the first university in the United States to use the innovative air-filtering and purifying technology.
“Throughout the pandemic Jacksonville University has strived to provide a safe environment for students, faculty and staff,” said Jamie Burket, assistant dean of students and a member of Jacksonville University’s COVID response team. “Many classes were moved outdoors and online, cutting edge health technology was installed, certified contact tracers were activated, on-campus dining and the student experience were redesigned, and flexible work and learning environments were expanded. The pilot program use of Aura Air is another of the many ways we are investing in campus as students return.”
An Aura Air unit at work in the Esports room
According to research conducted by Aura Air, the devices are capable of detecting, capturing and killing 99.9 percent of mold, bacteria and viruses, including the coronavirus. Each unit is equipped with sensors and filters that purify and disinfect up to 600 square feet. The units are capable of removing airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, which should make any indoor space safer and significantly reduce the chance for infection.
Throughout the pandemic Jacksonville University has strived to provide a safe environment for students, faculty and staff. Many classes were moved outdoors and online, cutting edge health technology was installed, certified contact tracers were implemented, dining and housing halls were redesigned, and flexible work and learning environments were expanded. The pilot program use of Aura Air is another of the many ways the university is investing in campus as students return.
Each Aura Air unit can also be paired with an app that allows users to monitor air quality in real-time. The company has installed the purification units in hospitals, schools, public modes of transportation and businesses worldwide.
“In a world where sustainability plays an important role in our daily lives, our vision is for people to breathe cleaner air,” said Aura Air, Israel co-founder and CEO Aviad Shnaiderman. “We are very excited that Jacksonville University is leading the change among universities in the United States and around the world by taking care of students, lecturers, and the entire staff of the institution.”
