Research
Our research has built an international reputation relating on
the qualities and properties of fibrous materials their consumer and
industrial end uses. Specific programmatic thrusts of the department
include:
Functional textile products for health and safety.
We have a strong record in developing protective clothing for hazardous
occupations and are expanding our interests in household products that
can reduce home hazards. Work in this area is consistent with campus
support for health-related activities and college support for
agriculture and human health.
Textile marketing systems and cultural diversity.
We currently are engaged in both teaching and research efforts in the
areas of international trade and cross-cultural consumer behavior.
These efforts are relevant to the Hemispheric Initiative on the
Americas.
Bio-based materials and macromolecular science. We
have developed a number of projects in this area, which are consistent
with national initiatives on becoming less dependent on fossil fuels
and gases as well as campus and college concerns about environmental
protection.
Sensory science. Faculty have developed
improved physical testing systems as well as psychological measurements
to relate fabric properties to consumer responses. Work in this area
contributes to the campus initiative on Mind Sciences.