A prolific inventor, Caroline Ylitalo has more than 100 issued and pending patents. An expert in respiratory protection for healthcare workers, she collaborated with the CDC and FDA to understand the science behind respiratory protection in the pandemic. She led 3M’s effort to invent new respirators that provide superior comfort and protection to healthcare workers, which has earned multiple awards both at Maplewood-based 3M and from national organizations. She chairs 3M’s senior scientist group and organized a company innovation conference attended by more than 1,000 3M scientists globally. Active in numerous science organizations locally and nationally, she’s a board member of the Twin Cities Regional Science Fair, promoting participation for underrepresented students.