Program Faculty Research Areas
At present, we have faculty conducting research in the following areas:
Dr. Marcy L. Koontz currently focuses on object-based material culture research in dress, curatorial practice, collections management, innovative exhibition design & presentation and emerging technologies.
Dr. Ellen McKinney focus on design for the human user, cross-cultural aspects of apparel design, and zero-waste pattern making.
Dr. Steven McKinney researches entrepreneurship and retail careers.
Dr. Amanda J. Thompson’s topics of research include textile science issues, historic and archaeological textile analysis, and cultural interpretation of textiles and the crafts that support textiles. She also is working with alternative fibers and the use of 3D printing in textiles.
Dr. Michelle (Xiao) Tong’s current research interests include soft-goods branding management, E-commerce, international marketing and international trade of textiles and apparel products.