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Student at North Carolina State University Involved in Study of Sports Shoes for Athletes

Textile engineering student Andrianna Hodges conducted friction tests on athletic footwear during her REU program this summer.

Student at North Carolina State University Alters Athletic Shoe Designs Through Research...
Student at North Carolina State University Alters Athletic Shoe Designs Through Research Participation

Student at North Carolina State University Involved in Study of Sports Shoes for Athletes

In the heart of North Carolina, Andrianna Hodges, a student at NC State University with a passion for textile engineering, is making a splash this summer. Hodges is participating in the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program offered by the Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science (TECS) department.

This program is part of the college's broader commitment to high-impact learning opportunities that integrate creativity, science, and industry connections. Hodges, who plans to complete her master's degree in textile engineering this fall, is keen to develop her passion for sustainability and textile science, gaining real-world experience and preparing for a career in textile innovation.

Hodges' research focuses on the importance of comfort and ergonomics in footwear. She is testing two different socks, one predominantly polyester and one cotton, against three different shoes. Her aim is to determine the level of friction present between the socks and footwear components. High and low coefficients of friction can cause pain and potential injury or instability for the wearer.

The REU program offers students like Hodges the chance to engage deeply with textile chemistry under faculty mentorship. Hodges is working with her REU mentor, postdoctoral researcher Kedena Henriques-Thompson, under the guidance of Professor Emiel DenHartog.

The program is designed to benefit students with no previous research experience. Hodges advises students interested in the REU program to advocate for themselves and to reach out to professors for help. She also encourages them to make sure they articulate what they want out of the REU experience and not be afraid to put themselves out there.

The REU program provides tools and experiences that undergraduates will continue to benefit from, whether they pursue a second degree or enter the industry upon graduating. It emphasizes practical laboratory work and synthesis projects, offering students the opportunity to conduct research, present findings, and collaborate with faculty.

In addition to the hands-on research, the REU program offers workshops and informational courses to guide students through academic research. These workshops teach research-specific skills like using microscopes and writing research manuscripts, as well as professional skills like resume writing and interview navigation.

Last summer, Hodges completed an internship in materials development with Adidas. After completing her master's, she hopes to work with a sports performance company like Adidas, Nike, Alo Yoga, or Lululemon.

Hodges appreciates the flexibility her advisors have granted her in the REU program. She believes that understanding the importance of comfort and ergonomics in footwear is crucial in the textile industry. The REU program helps set students up for success in conducting research, presenting findings, and collaborating with faculty, making it an invaluable experience for anyone with a passion for textile engineering and science.

  1. Andrianna Hodges, an undergraduate student at NC State University majoring in textile engineering, is working on product development in the realm of fashion, focusing on comfort and ergonomics in footwear.
  2. Her research within the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program, offered by the Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science (TECS) department, aims to determine the level of friction between different sock materials and shoe components.
  3. Hodges is collaborating with her REU mentor, postdoctoral researcher Kedena Henriques-Thompson, under the guidance of Professor Emiel DenHartog, all from the TECS department.
  4. Regarding her future, Hodges aspires to pursue a master's degree in textile engineering and enter the sports industry, potentially working with companies like Adidas, Nike, Alo Yoga, or Lululemon.
  5. The REU program emphasizes practical laboratory work and synthesis projects, in addition to offering workshops on research-specific skills, academic research navigation, and professional development such as resume writing and interview techniques.
  6. Hodges encourages students interested in the REU program to articulate their goals and not be afraid to seek out help from professors, as it provides undergraduates with priceless tools and experiences that will aid them whether they pursue another degree or enter the industry upon graduating.

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