Exploring a Fresh Academic Path: Unveiling New Knowledge and Skills

Exploring a Fresh Academic Path: Unveiling New Knowledge and Skills

NC State Doctoral Candidate Bella Latham Found Her Passion for Textiles Through Summer Program

Bella Latham, now a third-degree student pursuing a doctorate in fiber and polymer science at NC State University, attributes her decision to study textiles to a week-long summer program at the Wilson College of Textiles in 2013, known as the Summer Textile Exploration Program (STEP).

During the program, Latham resided on campus and experienced the transformative world of textiles before the start of her senior year at Enloe High School in Raleigh, North Carolina. Seven years later, she is still enthralled by the innovative work of her professors and peers.

"Every year, my perspective broadens even more regarding the necessity and importance of textiles in our lives," Latham said.

A Building Foundation

Currently, Latham is conducting her doctoral research in the lab of Associate Professor of Textile Engineering, Chemistry, and Science, Emiel DenHartog. In addition to her academic pursuits, she works as an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Engineering (ORISE) research fellow, a highly competitive national graduate fellowship. Her work supports the United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM), focusing on cold weather protective textiles.

Latham collaborates with a research team at USARIEM to optimize textiles that will protect troops in extreme cold and wet weather conditions and develop tools to prevent cold injuries. Initially, she didn't plan to work with military textiles, but the STEP program exposed her to various textile possibilities within the field.

A Unique Experience

As part of the program, Latham designed and created a maxi-dress, an experience she still cherishes. She also had the opportunity to meet career development staff and several professors, some of whom still remember her from the summer.

Latham quickly recognized the close-knit community at the Wilson College of Textiles, which provided her with valuable mentorship opportunities. Throughout her studies, she served as a teaching assistant, a graduate research assistant, a laboratory safety manager, and a Dean's Page in 2017-18. These experiences prepared her to tackle significant challenges and proceed with her doctoral research.

A Continued Journey

DenHartog, who also serves as director of graduate programs and associate director of the Textile Protection and Comfort Center, played a crucial role in Latham's journey. During her presentation at the US Army Natick Soldier Systems Center in Massachusetts, he invited fellow scientists, leading to another learning opportunity for Latham.

The conversation between DenHartog and USARIEM researchers eventually led to the creation of the specific fellowship position Latham now holds. As she continues her work on cold weather textiles, Latham is a testament to the transformative power of textiles and encourages students to seize the resources and opportunities at NC State.

"I admire the potential and growth within the programs here," Latham said. "Here I am doing my Ph.D., and I'm just not done learning." Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, technology enables her team to continue their mission of protecting our troops in the most extreme environments worldwide.

1. Bella Latham, an undergraduate at Enloe High School in Raleigh, North Carolina, discovered her passion for textiles through the Summer Textile Exploration Program (STEP) at NC State University's Wilson College of Textiles.
2. Latham's current research, conducted in Associate Professor Emiel DenHartog's lab, involves cold weather protective textiles for the United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM).
3. Originally, Latham didn't intend to work with military textiles, but the STEP program exposed her to diverse textile applications within the field.
4. In addition to her doctoral research, Latham serves as an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Engineering (ORISE) research fellow, a highly competitive national graduate fellowship.
5. Latham's unique experience in the STEP program included designing and creating a maxi-dress, an experience she still values.
6. Throughout her studies, Latham has served various roles, such as a teaching assistant, a graduate research assistant, a laboratory safety manager, and a Dean's Page in 2017-18, preparing her for her current challenges.
7. Emiel DenHartog, Director of Graduate Programs and Associate Director of the Textile Protection and Comfort Center, has played a vital role in Latham's journey, leading to opportunities like her presentation at the US Army Natick Soldier Systems Center.
8. Latham encourages students to take advantage of resources and opportunities at NC State, citing the continuous learning and growth she experiences in the programs there.
9. Despite the constraints posed by COVID-19, Latham and her team adapt, utilizing technology to continue their mission of creating protective textiles for troops in extreme environments worldwide, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning and online education in the field of science.

Read also: