The Apparel and Textile Design program
offers opportunities for students to explore the challenging
world of research through the Undergraduate
Research at MSU program. Through professorial assistantships
awarded to select undergraduates who show potential for
advanced study, students work with faculty mentors on
research projects of interest to them. Previous professorial
assistants have published articles in scholarly journals
with their mentor and presented their research process
and findings at the all-University Undergraduate Research and Creative
Activity Forum.
A recent graduate, Michael King,
spent his senior year working with Dr. Suzanne Sontag
and Dr. Ann Slocum on their project to characterize and
conduct a needs assessment of the Michigan apparel and
textiles industry. Using Microsoft Access, Michael analyzed
the industry by sales, number of employees, geographic
location and distribution in the state of Michigan, and
types of products manufactured. He then contacted selected
firms and invited the owners to participate in focus group
interviews to assist the researchers in further understanding
the concerns of industry for the purpose of developing
a survey instrument for the entire census of Michigan
apparel and textile manufacturers. Michael participated
in weekly research team meetings during the year. In an
interview with an MSU reporter, Michael commented, "I
wanted to come to a big university like MSU that offers
this major. It is great to have the opportunity to work
with faculty who have similar interests and the chance
to work on projects that are mutually agreeable." He added,
I never have felt like I was on my own; I feel a valued
part of the team; it’s like a partnership. The greatest
aspect for me is getting to know each other as people.
This helps me to move forward and produce the highest
quality results." Upon graduation, Michael accepted a
position as a textile designer in a Michigan firm that
designs and manufactures automotive fabrics.
Two former graduates worked on a
research project to study the adaptation of families to
small farms that use sustainable agricultural methods
of production. One student analyzed interview data from
the families; she determined the critical factors that
must be considered in designing suitable apparel for farm
work and specified possible design features. Another student
then analyzed actual work practices in the field such
as kinetic movement, equipment used, and thermal and other
environmental conditions. She then designed and constructed
prototype garments that one family tested in the field.
The first student became a children’s wear designer,
worked on the cutting edge for the implementation of the
computerized apparel manufacturing pipeline project, and
now teaches at a major university. The second student
completed her doctoral degree in textile technology and
management, has worked with design and development teams
on advanced space suit glove design, military backpack
and ballistic vest, athletic shoes, and cleanroom coveralls.
She is currently director of product development laboratories
at a national chemical manufacturer.
