Research Statement
A significant concern I have had regarding the textile industry since my undergraduate studies is the integration of environmentally sustainable methods into fashion and textile product manufacturing. This interest has served as the underlying driving force to the subject areas examined in my graduate career and choosing my current role at Appalachian State- being a leader in sustainable development curriculum. This theme has also inspired my pursuit of grant proposal writing and creative scholarship.
I felt that my time in graduate school was quite serendipitous as I was in the first class exposed to Shima Seiki’s WholeGarment knitting machine. The exposure to this technology fed my desire to identify manufacturing methods that reduce waste in the apparel & textile supply chain and set the course for my dissertation research. My dissertation titled, “Factors influencing the adoption of 3D Knitting technologies: A Case-study analysis”, examined the decision-making factors that influenced business-owners to adopt such a complex and innovative technology. Since presenting my research to my committee, I will have successfully given (by the end of March) three oral presentations stemming from this bulk of research. Two presentations were at the International Textile and Apparel Association titled, “3D Knitting: A Decision-Making Model” and “3D Knitting: Pedagogy Requirements”. The third presentation will be presented at the American Collegiate Retailing Association at the end of March, titled: “3D Knitting: Retailing Implications”. The first article publication from this work is currently under review by the International Journal of Fashion Technology & Textile Engineering. To continue building off of this work, my intention is to submit at least two more articles from this breadth of research.
A major finding from this research were implications for the manner in which knitting fundamentals should be incorporated into fashion and textile curriculum. Based on insights from experts in the field, there is an identifiable need for a knowledgeable workforce of candidates understanding knitting. My intention is to use these findings to inform a practical class application and further validate the study’s results, by developing a knitting course at Appalachian State.
I have developed a deeper appreciation for having research as a focus for an academic institution as I am realizing that it can inform timely teaching methods and allows one to remain relevant to the advances in the field. This year I was accepted to the PREPARE (PREParation for Appalachian Research Experiences) program which is a grant-writing cohort funded by the Office of Research at Appalachian. Results of this program are to have a working draft of a grant proposal to be submitted to a grant program officer within a year of completion. Being a part of this cohort has ignited an excitement within me to the opportunities made possible through external and internal funding. The workshops offered through this program has inspired me to apply for several smaller internal grants, one of which I was awarded on behalf of the Apparel Design & Merchandising program to assess and revise student learning outcomes and conduct curriculum mapping for the existing ADM curriculum.
I imagine that grants can be similar to a small business which requires entrepreneurial thinking and outreach within the community to develop an effective team for execution. It is my intention to carry this newfound interest in grant writing into a larger grant proposal focusing on curriculum development with a community outreach element.
In bringing external validity to the research conducted in a fashion and textiles department, I trust that research should keep in mind the concerns of the industry and work to solve the pain points that occur. One of my goals for fashion design programs would be to develop industry-sponsored projects.
I am also motivated and inspired to continue my creative scholarship within fashion design, textile design and product development. I believe that having this creative outlet not only brings a significant amount of joy into my life but will also inform research collaborations by incorporating the innovative technologies. Examples of my creative scholarship to date are found within my “professional portfolio”.
I eagerly await the opportunity to build on the research I have already accomplished, and expand my research agenda into other sustainable manufacturing methods and processes including: 3D visualization as a replacement for physical prototype sampling; environmentally-friendly methods of dyeing and finishing; reshoring strategies and business models; exploring alternative textile materials produced in the United States (ie. Alpaca fiber & Hemp) and their fiber processing to yarn spinning methods; CAD enabled marker utilization for cut & sew garments; zero-waste design; vertical supply chain enabling production processes; product life-cycle management; engineered textile surface design through digital printing; knit fabric structures for increased comfort and usability; textile mending initiatives; intimate garments and close-to-skin product development; and of course, 3D knitting.
I felt that my time in graduate school was quite serendipitous as I was in the first class exposed to Shima Seiki’s WholeGarment knitting machine. The exposure to this technology fed my desire to identify manufacturing methods that reduce waste in the apparel & textile supply chain and set the course for my dissertation research. My dissertation titled, “Factors influencing the adoption of 3D Knitting technologies: A Case-study analysis”, examined the decision-making factors that influenced business-owners to adopt such a complex and innovative technology. Since presenting my research to my committee, I will have successfully given (by the end of March) three oral presentations stemming from this bulk of research. Two presentations were at the International Textile and Apparel Association titled, “3D Knitting: A Decision-Making Model” and “3D Knitting: Pedagogy Requirements”. The third presentation will be presented at the American Collegiate Retailing Association at the end of March, titled: “3D Knitting: Retailing Implications”. The first article publication from this work is currently under review by the International Journal of Fashion Technology & Textile Engineering. To continue building off of this work, my intention is to submit at least two more articles from this breadth of research.
A major finding from this research were implications for the manner in which knitting fundamentals should be incorporated into fashion and textile curriculum. Based on insights from experts in the field, there is an identifiable need for a knowledgeable workforce of candidates understanding knitting. My intention is to use these findings to inform a practical class application and further validate the study’s results, by developing a knitting course at Appalachian State.
I have developed a deeper appreciation for having research as a focus for an academic institution as I am realizing that it can inform timely teaching methods and allows one to remain relevant to the advances in the field. This year I was accepted to the PREPARE (PREParation for Appalachian Research Experiences) program which is a grant-writing cohort funded by the Office of Research at Appalachian. Results of this program are to have a working draft of a grant proposal to be submitted to a grant program officer within a year of completion. Being a part of this cohort has ignited an excitement within me to the opportunities made possible through external and internal funding. The workshops offered through this program has inspired me to apply for several smaller internal grants, one of which I was awarded on behalf of the Apparel Design & Merchandising program to assess and revise student learning outcomes and conduct curriculum mapping for the existing ADM curriculum.
I imagine that grants can be similar to a small business which requires entrepreneurial thinking and outreach within the community to develop an effective team for execution. It is my intention to carry this newfound interest in grant writing into a larger grant proposal focusing on curriculum development with a community outreach element.
In bringing external validity to the research conducted in a fashion and textiles department, I trust that research should keep in mind the concerns of the industry and work to solve the pain points that occur. One of my goals for fashion design programs would be to develop industry-sponsored projects.
I am also motivated and inspired to continue my creative scholarship within fashion design, textile design and product development. I believe that having this creative outlet not only brings a significant amount of joy into my life but will also inform research collaborations by incorporating the innovative technologies. Examples of my creative scholarship to date are found within my “professional portfolio”.
I eagerly await the opportunity to build on the research I have already accomplished, and expand my research agenda into other sustainable manufacturing methods and processes including: 3D visualization as a replacement for physical prototype sampling; environmentally-friendly methods of dyeing and finishing; reshoring strategies and business models; exploring alternative textile materials produced in the United States (ie. Alpaca fiber & Hemp) and their fiber processing to yarn spinning methods; CAD enabled marker utilization for cut & sew garments; zero-waste design; vertical supply chain enabling production processes; product life-cycle management; engineered textile surface design through digital printing; knit fabric structures for increased comfort and usability; textile mending initiatives; intimate garments and close-to-skin product development; and of course, 3D knitting.