Fashion, Merchandising, and Design Graduate Student to Present Two Studies at Conference

Leslee J. Weible, a Fashion, Merchandising and Design graduate student, will present findings on two recent studies.  The first, conducted with faculty member, Pimpawan Kumphai, “It’s Getting Hot in Here: Assessing Thermal Responses of Different Clothing Ensembles on Wheelchair Users Using Thermal Camera,” investigated how heat is generated by an individual in a wheelchair wearing different clothing ensembles.  By using an infrared camera, provided an understanding, both statistically and visually, of how radial heat transfers when sitting in a wheelchair.  The results of this study could potentially improve the design and function of wheelchairs or adaptive clothing for wheelchair users.

In the second study, conducted with faculty member, Su Kyoung An, “Adaptive Clothing for People Affected by Parkinson’s Disease,” two designs were developed to give people who are wheelchair-bound with Parkinson’s Disease symptoms more options for dressing independently.  The objective is to give people more freedom in their day-to-day life and confidence in their appearance.

The International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA) Conference will be held October 26-29, in Denver, CO. The ITAA advances excellence in education, scholarship, and innovation, and their global applications, and promotes the discovery, dissemination, and application of knowledge.