TEXTILES.ORG
Meet the industry leaders, innovators and experts shaping the future of advanced textiles.
Dr. Topher Anderson
Owner, Textile.org
Topher Anderson is a textile engineer and founder of textile.org, focused on building advanced embroidery-based manufacturing systems and deploying them into research and educational environments.
His work centers on turning programmable stitching into a functional fabrication platform for developing structural, embedded, and performance-driven textile systems. He specializes in designing equipment and workflows that allow universities, labs, and product teams to move from concept to working prototype with minimal setup time.
Karl Aspelund Ph.D.
Associate Director, URI Honors Program; Associate Professor, Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design
Karl is Associate Director of the Honors Program, Associate Professor of Design at the University of Rhode Island, and Visiting Associate Professor in Ethnology at the University of Iceland. A Ph.D. in Anthropology and Material Culture at Boston University followed twenty years designing for theater, film, and public art. Karl has authored three design textbooks, and his co-authored volume on Icelandic culture-creation was nominated for the 2017 Icelandic Literary Prize. Within the 100 Year Starship organization he has focused on textile needs in long-duration spaceflight, leading to human factors, ecological issues, and circular economies both in space and on Earth.
Jasmine Cox-Wade
Executive Director, Textile Technology Center at Gaston College
Jasmine Cox- Wade serves as the Executive Director of the Textile Technology Center at Gaston College in Belmont, NC. Prior to her role as Executive Director, Jasmine has served in various roles including director of Textile Technology Programs, Physical Testing Laboratory Technician, and Process Coordinator. Originally, from Raleigh, NC Jasmine obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Textile Technology from the NC State Wilson College of Textiles. She is currently pursuing her doctoral studies in Textile Technology Management at the NC State Wilson College of Textiles. Beyond her professional endeavors, Jasmine is actively involved in leadership roles and volunteerism within the textile community, serving on various boards and councils.
Steef Crombach
Curator, Educator, and Soft Sculpture Artist
Steef Crombach is a curator, educator, and soft sculpture artist from the Netherlands, now based in the United States. Known for her experimental work in fabric, Crombach has exhibited widely in both national and international galleries across the U.S. and Europe. Crombach founded artist-in-residence programs in both Los Angeles and Austin, has taught at the Contemporary art school and her work is part of Austin’s permanent art collection. She is currently in residency at LV collective’s Paseo, was Big Medium’s inaugural artist-in-residence, named Concept Animals’ Favorite Fiber Artist, and has held solo shows at Ivester Contemporary, La Ruche HTX, and Women & Their Work. Her art seeks to surface overlooked but significant points of reference buried deep within our collective consciousness, in search of the elements that will become part of our shared memory when we look back.
Ted Fetterman
Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Bally Ribbon Mills
Ted Fetterman is Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM) located in Bally, PA, USA. Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM) is a manufacturer of woven, narrow fabrics that range from simple webbings such as those used in seat belts & safety equipment to high-tech 3D thermoset composite materials that are used in the Aerospace industry (several of our product rests on Mars). Ted has been with Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM) for 31 years. Although he possesses a B.A. in Economics from Bucknell University, he has great interest and work experience in several Engineering disciplines. Ted is responsible for all front office sales operations as well as R&D, Engineering and new product innovations. Ted is currently leading a new development in narrow fabrics for NASA’s Artemis program as well as LEO commercial space applications.
Robert Finnegan, M.Ed.
Head of Education and Workforce Manufacturing USA Innovation Institute: Advanced Functional Fabrics of America
Robert Finnegan currently serves as the Head of Education and Workforce for the Advanced Fabrics of America. Robert has more than two decades of experience in connecting talented people to STEM careers and is keenly passionate about having industry at the table when crafting programs that drive experiential learning or talent pipelines. He has held leadership roles in educational companies, nonprofits, and as an entrepreneur. He is the founder and chief consultant of Guided Impact Solutions, which supports mission-driven organizations in strategic planning, identifying sustainable funding, and launching career-connected programming. A native of Lowell, MA, the history and legacy of textiles and fabrics runs deep in his blood, and he is excited to support government and industry in rekindling and innovating advanced textiles manufacturing.
Shannon L. Gainey, Ph.D.
Director of Global Regulatory Management, JM Huber Corporation
Dr. Shannon Gainey is a seasoned expert in global chemical regulations, bringing more than two decades of experience in navigating complex regulatory landscapes. Holding a Ph.D. in Chemistry, she blends deep scientific expertise with strategic regulatory insight to design and implement effective compliance strategies for multinational organizations.
She currently serves as Director of Global Regulatory Management for the Huber Advanced Materials business at JM Huber Corporation, where she leads global regulatory initiatives, guides compliance programs, and partners with cross‑functional teams to align business objectives with evolving regulatory requirements.
John Gerohristodoulos
Vice President Sales Industrial Manufacturing, Lectra
John Geros partners with manufacturers across the Americas to modernize cutting rooms and production environments, delivering measurable ROI through practical Industry 4.0 solutions. With deep experience across industrial segments, he focuses on phased, scalable modernization that combines software and equipment to drive long-term value and improve material utilization. John helps secure cross-functional stakeholder buy-in (Ops, IT, Finance, Engineering, Execs) and builds strategic roadmaps that target the right customers—lighthouse accounts and industry leaders—so successful implementations can be scaled enterprise-wide.
Dr. K.R. Sanjaya D. Gunawardhana
Postdoctoral Researcher, Dublin City University
Sanjaya D. Gunawardhana is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the School of Electronic Engineering, Dublin City University, Ireland under the supervision of Dr. Shirley Coyle and Prof. Tomas Ward. Sanjaya formally completed a PhD in the areas of Triboelectric energy harvesting, Self-powered sensing, and micro/nanofabrication targeting wearable electronic applications. He completed his bachelor’s degree in Textile Process Engineering in 2018 and master’s degree by research in the field of wearable energy harvesting in 2020 at the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. Before moving to Ireland, Sanjaya was a research scientist at the Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology, conducting research with wearable sensor fabrications.
Ethan Halpern
President, American Awning & Blind Co.
Ethan Halpern is the President and owner of American Awning & Blind Co. (AAABC), a commercial awning, canopy, and shade structure fabrication and installation company headquartered in North Hollywood, California. Over his 12 years leading the business, Ethan has transformed AAABC from a small residential-focused operation into a commercial contractor serving general contractors and commercial developers across California and the western United States. Under his leadership, the company’s product capabilities have expanded significantly — from standard fabric awnings and canopies to a full range of commercial-grade structures including aluminum and metal canopies, standing seam awnings, architectural louvers, shade sails, and large-scale waterproof retractable systems. Geographic reach has grown from a Los Angeles-only footprint to statewide California coverage and active operations in Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. Revenue has grown fivefold over that period.
Frank Henderson
CEO, Henderson Sewing Machine Co. Inc.
Frank Henderson began his career at Amoco Fabric Textile Division of Amoco Chemical in Nashville, GA; after finishing Auburn University Textile Engineering department. Frank’s work at Amoco began with engineering and prototyping for polypropylene fabric development. In 1976 Frank returned to Henderson Sewing Machine Company, one of the largest family-owned distributors of industrial sewing machines, parts, supplies, and automatic systems for sewn product manufacturers in the world. Entering into his 52nd year at Henderson Sewing Machine Company, Frank has had the opportunity to travel domestically to 47 states and internationally to more than 67 countries, visiting manufacturers and suppliers of more than 80 different product types of textile sewn products. Frank speaks at industry events numerous times a year across the global textile industry and serves on Board of Directors for many industry associations.
Aimee Heuschkel
Marketing Director, Lectra
Aimee Heuschkel serves as Marketing Director for Lectra and brings over 25 years of integrated marketing expertise across both B2B and B2C environments. She is passionate about using technology to connect data, people, and processes in ways that drive tangible business outcomes. In her role, she guides marketing strategy across apparel and industrial segments, helping companies navigate and accelerate their digital transformation. Aimee is known for blending real world practicality with a future focused approach to innovation.
Robert Hinsch
Vice President of Business Development, TVF Inc.
Robert Hinsch is Vice President of Business Development at TVF. He leads business development efforts across our industrial, apparel, and home décor sales teams. Robert began his career in textiles in 1984 and joined TVF in 1987. With more than 40 years of textile experience, Robert has amassed an incredible amount of market and in-depth product knowledge. Robert’s particular focus areas are military and law enforcement materials, industrial applications, recreational apparel fabrics, weaving, finishing, and printing. His authentic desire to help customers and co-workers reach their full potential, along with his technical expertise and problem-solving abilities, are key factors in his long-term success and TVF’s success. Whether helping customers understand the risks of improper fabric selection, figuring out proper end-use requirements, or sharing market knowledge, Robert’s strategic insight helps guide any project to successful completion.
Satish Hodage
Chief Technology Officer, YUJ Labs LLC
Satish Hodage is a chemical technology professional with over 27 years of global experience in product innovation, manufacturing processes, and business development. He holds a Master’s degree in Pulp and Paper Science and has specialized in ligno-cellulosic fiber modification, advancing sustainable materials for industries including textiles, paper, packaging, non-wovens, and coatings. His expertise lies in developing customized chemical formulations, cellulosic nanomaterials, and process improvements that deliver practical, commercial solutions. Known for his “Commercialization Excellence,” Satish has led innovations from laboratory research through manufacturing scale-up and market adoption.
Patrick Howe
Owner and Founder, Wholesale Shade
Patrick Howe is an entrepreneur and industry innovator, best known as the owner and founder of Wholesale Shade. His career is defined by a commitment to blending architectural aesthetics with functional outdoor protection, helping to popularize high-tension fabric structures in the American market.
Steven Huisman
Managing Director, ColorArmor Systems
Steven Huisman is a specialist in printed and coated technical textiles with experience in large-format print, material performance, and architectural textile applications. His work focuses on the intersection of aesthetics and durability, helping translate material science into practical insights for designers and engineers.
Terry Kelm
President, Sunbelt Re-sales
Terry Kelm is the President of Sunbelt Business Broker’s Resales program. That program is specifically geared toward assisting franchise business owners with their transition at the end of their franchise life cycle. Terry started with the division in 2003 and became President in 2014. Sunbelt’s Re-sales program works with over 120 associations, franchises and name brand concepts, and has been a part of over 600 transactions during Terry’s tenure. In 2020, Terry was recognized with the Career Achievement Award in Dealmaking by the industry publication Franchise Times. Sunbelt Resales has been a supplier member of ATA for a few years.
Lelia Lawson
Founder & Chief Technology Officer, Zylotex Inc.
Lelia Lawson is Founder and Chief Technology Officer of ZyloTex®, a Canadian advanced materials company developing next-generation regenerated cellulosic fibres from hemp. She holds a BSc and MSc in Human Ecology (Textiles & Clothing) and is currently completing a PhD at the University of Alberta, where her research focuses on agricultural feedstocks for solvent-spun fibre systems. With more than 25 years of experience across the textile sector, Lawson brings deep expertise spanning fibre science, manufacturing, and commercialization. She serves on the Boards of Directors for the Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance, the Alberta Hemp Alliance, and the Federation of International Hemp Organizations (FIHO), contributing to the advancement of sustainable fibre ecosystems at both national and global levels.
Rui Li
Assistant Research Professor and Project Manager, Iowa State University
Dr. Rui Li is a Research Assistant Professor and the Manager of the Laboratories for Functional Textiles and Protective Clothing in the Department of Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management at Iowa State University. He received his Ph.D. degree in Apparel, Merchandising, and Design from Iowa State University. His research focuses on functionality and performance evaluation of textile materials and clothing systems, including testing device development, hazards simulation, and customized assessment tool and protocol development.
Priscilla Lustig
Artist
Priscilla Lustig is a southern-American artist with a multi-disciplinary practice based in Austin, Texas. She received her BFA in Painting and Drawing from Louisiana State University in 2019. During this time she developed a keen interest in the interplay of color theory, texture, and shape on human perception. This early fascination continues to shape her practice, which aims to evoke synesthetic experiences through visual and tactile stimuli. Upon graduation, her work was acquired into the permanent art collection of Louisiana State University. Since relocating to Austin in 2022, she has become an active participant in the local art scene, receiving the Concept Animals community award for Austin’s “Favorite Painter” in 2023. Lustig has become known for her bold, meticulously crafted abstract paintings and large scale fabric installations. She tactically employs vibrant color palettes to captivate the viewer’s eye while mathematically derived, grid-based compositions lure their focus throughout the visual plane. Lustig’s work is experienced in “visual events,” not as mere images or symbols, but movements, compositions, colors and scales that provoke a psycho-physical response in the viewer.
Rachal McCarthy
President, NTI Global
Rachal McCarthy is President of NTI Global, a privately owned and operated industrial textile converter since 1983. She was named President at the age of 25 and has spent her tenure modernizing the manufacturing process. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts at 20 and co-filed her first patent at 18. She has revolutionized the temporary HVAC industry with 4 patents in 3 countries. A captivating and insightful speaker, Rachal brings her wealth of knowledge and influential voice on subjects including succession planning, working with multi-generational workforces, and how to service multi-billion-dollar customers as a small business. Rachal’s refreshingly candid approach has made her a sought-after speaker, online educator, panel leader and strategic communicator.
Dr. Amanda Mills
Assistant Professor, Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, NC State University
Amanda received her B.S. in mechanical engineering from Mississippi State University. She received her M.S. and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from North Carolina State University. Afterwards, she served as an industry project manager for the NEXT Research Lab. Amanda joined the Textile Engineering/Textile Technology Senior Design program as a program manager before transitioning to her current, co-director role. Most recently, she was a research assistant professor of textile engineering and textile technology in the Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science department. Presently, she studies and develops innovative methods for electronics integration into textiles with the SHIFT lab. She creates full system demonstration platforms to examine the impact of the textile structure and material on device performance and vice versa. She works to develop novel all-textile sensors and actuators for physiological monitoring, acoustic recording, and thermal actuation among other applications. Other research activities include fabric simulation and modeling for digital design and virtual reality implementation.
Dr. Marie O’Mahony
Programme Leader, MSc E-textiles and Wearable Technologies, Knowledge Exchange Enterprise (KEE) Champion Fashion and Textiles, WSA, University of Southampton, UK
Marie O’Mahony has a PhD from SmartLab, University College Dublin (UCD). Marie works in both academia and industry, with her practice, O’Mahony Consultancy, operating over three continents for 30+ years. Marie’s expertise lies in e-textiles, advanced textiles, wearable technology, industry-academia partnerships, International Business Planning (IBP), Market Diversification Reporting, Commercialisation Feasibility Studies, marketing, product development and commercialisation. Medical, health and wellbeing sectors are a particular focus with clients including Nike, ResMed, InteraXon and the DITF. She has published 6 books including ‘Advanced textiles for health and wellbeing.’ Current research revolves around e-textiles and wearables with Sustainable heterogenous e-textileS for imperceptible human Interfaces (SUSTAIN) her primary research project where she leads Work Package 4 (WP4) relating to issues around design such as technology integration and user-centered design.
Matt O’Sickey, Ph.D.
Director of Education and Technical Affairs, INDA – Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry
Matt O’Sickey is currently the director of Education and Technical Affairs at INDA, the Association of the Nonwovens Fabric Industry. He has prior experience leading operations, R&D, marketing, and product management with RKW North America and Tredegar Corp. O’Sickey has multiple patents, has received industry innovation awards, provided innumerable presentations, is a training course instructor, and is a contributing columnist for International Fiber Journal and International Filtration News. He has a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and is an alumnus of Purdue University and Virginia Tech, where his studies had heavy emphasis on the processing-structure-property relationships of polymeric materials.
Saloni Purandare, Ph.D.
Program Chair and Instructor, Textile Technology Program, Gaston College
Saloni Purandare is the Program Chair and Instructor of the Textile Technology Program. Saloni’s academic journey started with a Bachelor’s in Textile Engineering from D.K.T.E.S. Institute, Shivaji University, India. She went on to complete a Master of Science from Colorado State University and a Ph.D. from Iowa State University in the USA. Saloni’s research interests lie in functional textiles, particularly channeling efforts towards material innovation for the betterment of people and the planet. Saloni’s research work spans across non-toxic antimicrobial textiles, biomimicry, nanotechnology, green spinning, and firefighter gear, resulting in published manuscripts, book chapters, conference proceedings, and a pending US patent. Saloni is also a passionate educator with teaching experience across a variety of textile courses. As an educator, Saloni’s goal is to impart knowledge while instilling an appreciation for learning.
Dr. Rebecca Ruckdashel
Research Engineer III – Textiles, FASTR Lab, Advanced Structures and Composites Center, University of Maine
Rebecca R. Ruckdashel is a Research Engineer in Textiles at Advanced Structures and Composites Center at the University of Maine. She investigates the rheology of materials, melt-spinning of filament yarns, material characterizations, and novel manufacturing techniques related to textiles. She has a B.S. from Cornell University in Engineering Physics, an M.S. from NC State University in Textile Engineering, and a Ph.D. from NC State University in Fiber and Polymer Science. Her master’s thesis was on the dyeability of polypropylene yarn with an additive while her dissertation was on the formation of hollow fibers during melt-spinning by way of a 4-C, segmented arc die geometry. During her post-doc at UMass Lowell in Plastics Engineering, she melt spun and characterized bicomponent filament yarns and used modelling techniques to iteratively improve a die for profile extrusion for filament deposition modelling.
Dr. Guowen Song
Professor and Lloyd Chair in Textiles and Clothing, Iowa State University
Guowen Song, Ph.D. is Professor and Noma Scott Lloyd Endowed Chair in the Department of Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management in the College of Health and Human Sciences at Iowa State University. He directs LABS – Labs for Advanced Protective Technologies, is a member of the Center for Multiphase Flow Research and Education (CoMFRE) and holds courtesy and affiliated appointments in Mechanical Engineering and Interdepartmental Microbiology. Dr. Song’s research focuses on personal protective technologies and systems at the interface of materials, engineering, and occupational/environmental health. His group develops integrated experimental–computational approaches to understand environmental hazards, personal exposure, intervention strategies, thermoregulation, contamination, and related health impacts.
Alan Stewart
C.E.O., MPanel Software Solutions
Alan joined **MPanel Software Solutions** in 2017, following more than a decade as both a user and international agent of the company’s software. In his current role, he is responsible for the development and management of global distribution channels, as well as initiatives to enhance user access to MPanel products, training, and technical support worldwide. With over 25 years of experience in the Australian fabric and tensile structure industry, Alan brings extensive practical and commercial expertise to the organization. He is the Founder and former Director of Structureflex, a wholesale fabricator of fabric architecture products and services operating internationally. Having used MPanel software extensively for more than a decade prior to joining the company, Alan brings deep, practical experience gained from delivering projects of varying scale and complexity across international markets.
Yuan Sun
Ph.D. Candidate Student, Color Science and Imaging Laboratories, North Carolina State University
Yuan Sun is a PhD student at NC State University, advised by Dr. Renzo Shamey in the Color Science and Imaging Laboratory. He holds a BS in Dyeing & Finishing Engineering from Jiangnan University, an MS in Textile Engineering, and a minor in Computer Engineering from NC State. This background shapes his research at the intersection of textiles and AI. His current work focuses on diagnostic platforms that integrate LLMs with domain knowledge in textile coloration and extend to VLMs for real-time defect detection on production lines. His goal is to turn expertise into tools the textile industry can actually use.
Daryl L. Thompson
Director of Scientific Initiatives, Global Research and Discovery Group
Daryl L. Thompson is Director of Scientific Initiatives at Global Research and Discovery Group (GRDG Sciences, LLC), a private biodefense think tank and advanced research organization. He leads multidisciplinary efforts to develop biologically inspired solutions that intersect national defense, material innovation, and global health. Thompson’s work integrates biomimicry as a core engineering principle, translating natural systems into technologies for biodefense, functional materials, and strategic applications. Under his leadership, GRDG has advanced next generation platforms in smart textiles, passive radiative cooling fabrics, and multifunctional material systems that address both defense requirements and real world operational challenges.
Tanya Wade
Textile Resource Lab and THREAD-X Project Manager, Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC)
Tanya Wade is the Textile Resource Lab and THREAD-X Project Manager at the Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC), as well as the Sewn Goods Workshop Instructor for the Carolina Textile District (CTD). With over 13 years at the MSC, Tanya has worked closely with entrepreneurs, brands and manufacturers to support domestic production, lead workshops, factory tours, and countless sourcing interactions. As the Textile Resource Lab Manager, Tanya is passionate about strengthening domestic supply chains by managing a comprehensive database of domestic textile manufacturers and suppliers and overseeing an extensive textile sample collection housed at the MSC. In her role as the THREAD-X Project Manager, Tanya supports industry awareness of innovative training opportunities.
Hunter Wells
Sales Manager, Snyder Mfg Inc.
Hunter Wells is currently the Sales Manager at Snyder Manufacturing. He leads sales strategy, marketing, and new market initiatives while helping position American-made laminated textiles, coated mesh, and extruded films as a competitive solution in demanding applications. He has been with the company for over 2 years with 7 years of prior experience in manufacturing segments. His experience combines technical product knowledge with real world insight into manufacturing, customer demands, and the evolving needs of industrial applications.
Michael Woody
CEO, Trans-Tex LLC and Chair of the Rhode Island Textile Innovation Network (RITIN), Trans-Tex LLC
Michael McKeldon Woody is CEO of Trans-Tex LLC, a textile company based in Cranston, RI. He is currently chair of the Rhode Island Textile Innovation Network (RITIN), past president of the Narrow Fabrics Institute (NFI), a division of the Advanced Textile Association (ATA), and a past member of former Rhode Island governor Gina Raimondo’s Manufacturing Advisory Council. In 2017, his book American Dragon: Winning the Global Manufacturing War Using the Universal Principles of Fewer, Faster, and Finer was named a finalist for Business and Economics Book of the Year by Foreword Indies.