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Research and Innovation

Wilson College of Textiles Featured on PBS NOVA’s Building Stuff Series

A group of people monitors a Dynamic PyroMan test in a TPACC laboratory. One person is seated at a computer workstation with data on the screen, Roger Barker and others stand nearby. A large blaze is visible through a window, contained in a separate room.
Facutly and students work with Pyroman in the Textile Protection And Comfort Center (TPACC) on Centennial campus. Photo by Marc Hall

Dynamic PyroMan and researchers at the Wilson College of Textiles are the stars of the newest episode of PBS NOVA. 

Producers with the Building Stuff series paid a visit to the Wilson College’s Textile Protection and Comfort Center (TPACC) to learn about the science behind firefighter turnout suits. They also spoke with TPACC’s researchers to learn more about how they’re working to make these garments even more effective at protecting first responders. 

The episode also featured Research Assistant Professor Cassandra Kwon’s and Florida State University faculty member (and Wilson College alumna) Meredith McQuerry’s work redesigning turnout suits to better fit the female form. 

Viewers can watch the full episode online here. TPACC’s feature begins around the 27 minute mark.