Hannah Orlowski ’19, Product Development Engineer at Contempora Fabrics, Joins the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council

Hannah Orlowski’s journey to the Wilson College of Textiles began when she participated in the Summer Textile Exploration Program (STEP) while in high school.

She decided to explore her interest in textiles, and she was blown away during her tour of the Textile Protection and Comfort Center (TPACC), where she saw PyroMan go through fire and safety testing. A year later, she embarked on her academic career at the Wilson College of Textiles and pursued a degree in textile engineering.

Orlowski was excited when she realized the positive impact she could have on others in her community, such as firefighters, athletes and doctors, after diving into her studies. Alongside her growing passion for the textile industry, she was an active student in the University Scholars Program. The program allowed her to travel and establish lifelong relationships, and it made a difference not only in her college career but in her professional career as well.

Anytime I was doubting my skills or passion, I could look back at the kind words of my peers and immediately draw on that courage. My classmates are the ones who truly showed me what I had to offer this world and why I should never undervalue myself.

One of the most impactful experiences she had while at the college was connecting with faculty members like Associate Dean Jeff Joines and her fellow students. This even led to one of her favorite memories from campus.

“Receiving the Peter R. Lord Senior Design Leadership Award is the best example of my classmates’ influence on me,” she gushes. “Anytime I was doubting my skills or passion, I could always look back at the kind words of my peers and immediately draw on that courage. My classmates are the ones who truly showed me what I had to offer this world and why I should never undervalue myself.”

After graduating with a degree in textile engineering and gaining knowledge from her Lean Six Sigma, thermodynamics and yarn processing courses, Orlowski fondly remembers her time at the Wilson College.

She now works as a product development engineer at Contempora Fabrics, using not only her technical knowledge of textiles but also the skills she acquired to research, problem-solve and present her findings.

Orlowski is proud to maintain her connections to the Wilson College of Textiles as a new member of the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council (DYALC). The DYALC, which consists of alumni members under the age of 40, provides guidance to the dean of the college. Since joining the DYALC, her enthusiastic participation, along with the entire council’s leadership, has directly benefited the college’s success in alumni engagement and fundraising in partnership with the North Carolina Textile Foundation. The foundation, which is the philanthropic arm of the Wilson College of Textiles, propels the college’s groundbreaking and industry-leading work. 

You can learn more about her career journey in the Q&A below.

Degree: B.S. Textile Engineering, 2019
Job Title: Product Development Engineer, Contempora Fabrics
Current City: Clayton, North Carolina
Hometown: Youngsville, North Carolina

Why did you choose NC State and the Wilson College of Textiles?

While on the tour of the Textile Protection and Comfort Center during the Summer Textile Exploration Program (STEP), I saw them press a button and light PyroMan on fire. I knew at that moment that textiles was the place for me! In what other industry could I touch the lives of so many people — firefighters, astronauts, athletes, doctors? The list just goes on and on!

What activities were you involved in as an NC State student and how did they impact your experience?

I was most involved in the University Scholars Program (USP). This organization had a tremendous impact on my life. It allowed me to experience events and activities I never would have known about as a student, such as trips to New York City, Seattle, and British Columbia, lessons on beekeeping, and election news. It also allowed me to meet one of my best friends. I cherish the experiences and friendships the USP provided to this day.

What is your fondest memory as a student at NC State and the Wilson College of Textiles?

There are too many memories to pick a favorite! There was the time when my elaborate drawings of carding cylinders made it onto the Wilson College’s Instagram page. The trip to a Carolina Hurricanes game with my Senior Design team for “research.” The time when Professor Jeff Joines took a selfie with my fathead poster at graduation. And, of course, the many hours spent studying in the Peter R. Lord Tutoring Center, not knowing that while we were working on impossible TE110 or Six Sigma homework, we were actually becoming lifelong friends.

How did your education at the Wilson College of Textiles prepare you for what you are doing today?

My education helps me tremendously each and every day. On any given day, I use a combination of Excel, VBA, Six Sigma, thermodynamics, yarn processing, polymer morphology and many other skills. Not only is my technical knowledge useful, but also skills like how to research, benchmark, problem solve and present findings effectively are things I learned throughout my four years that I still use to this day.

In what ways are you currently involved with the Wilson College of Textiles and NC State?

Before being accepted into the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council (DYALC), I was a member of the NC State Alumni Association’s Raleigh regional network. Outside of that, I often attend NC State events at trade shows throughout the United States.