Emiel DenHartog has been named the Abel C. Lineberger Distinguished Professor at NC State University for his expertise in textile technology and exemplary contributions to the field.

The Abel C. Lineberger Distinguished Professorship was confirmed by the 2019 Endowed Gift Agreement between the Lineberger Foundation Inc. and the North Carolina Textile Foundation. The professorship is to be awarded to a faculty member with expertise in a field of textile technology. 

Rising in Research 

DenHartog began in 2013 as an associate professor in the Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science (TECS) and researcher at the Milliken Textile Protection and Comfort Center (TPACC), continuing his field work researching the interactions of human elements with clothing, and how to optimize comfort and protection for the military and first responders. 

DenHartog has continued his multi-disciplinary research throughout his career at NC State as he rose to hold the roles of associate department head and director of graduate programs of TECS, and now as department head of TECS.

Working with students as a professor and mentor, he teaches about clothing physiology, performance evaluation for textiles and leads the capstone course for students studying textile technology. 

In his letter recommending DenHartog to the professorship, Prakash Chand Kochhar Dean David Hinks wrote:

“His research has significantly advanced the understanding of thermal comfort, heat and moisture transfer and the performance of protective apparel, with applications spanning first responder safety, sports performance and consumer comfort. His work has contributed to the development of national and international standards for personal protective equipment and continues to shape best practices for testing and evaluation.”

Community Contributions

Through his work in textile engineering and protective clothing science, he has become a paragon of research and development in his field. He contributes to the AATCC Journal of Research as an associate editor and is a reviewer for over 20 scientific journals.

During his tenure with the Wilson College, DenHartog has received many awards and honors, including the American Association for Textile Chemists and Colorists Weaver Award for the 2016 Paper of the Year; induction into NC State’s Academy of Outstanding Faculty Engaged in Extension; the 2014-2015 NC State Outstanding Extension Service Award; and 2020 class of University Faculty Scholars.

His studies have been published in industry journals such as the AATCC Journal of Research, Applied Sciences, Ergonomics, and The Textile Research Journal.