Textile Innovator Guan Wang ’12, ’15 Returns to the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council

Driven by his expertise in textile chemistry and engineering, Guan Wang has embarked on a remarkable journey that has led to innovations in sustainability. This interest is apparent in the variety of professional roles he’s held since his graduation. 

After graduating in 2015 with his Ph.D. in fiber and polymer science, Wang secured a job as a research assistant for Cotton Incorporated, marking the inception of his career. From there, he served as a senior textile application development specialist at two leading textile corporations: INVISTA and the LYCRA Company.

Wang credits his Wilson College of Textiles education for making these significant career advancements possible.

“The lessons I took from the Wilson College of Textiles, such as color science, analytical chemistry and color chemistry, provided me with a solid foundation to conduct research in textile science,” he says. “That knowledge helped me succeed at INVISTA, the LYCRA Company and Cotton, Inc.”

Today, Wang proudly serves as the ecosystem technology manager of Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA). In this role, he provides subject-matter expertise in textile engineering, technology, and smart textiles. Wang’s position also involves a comprehensive understanding of the United States’ textile supply chain landscape. 

In addition to his day job, Wang is excited to add the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council (DYALC) to his list of responsibilities again. He’ll return to the DYALC after serving as a member previously from 2018 to 2020. 

Discover more about Wang’s journey by reading his Q&A below.

Degree M.S. Textile Chemistry, 2012, and Ph.D. Fiber and Polymer Science, 2015
Job Title Ecosystem Technology Manager, Advanced Functional Fabrics of America
Current City Lexington, Massachusetts
Hometown Huzhou, China

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

As an international student, I had several options in the United States to continue my textile education, including NC State. These various programs allow students to finish their bachelor’s degree in three years instead of four in their home country, and then they can come to the United States to complete their graduate-level studies.

I’m proud to have been among the top students accepted into this program in 2010. After learning that NC State had the best textiles program in the United States, I chose to join the Wolfpack.

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

I was the coordinate volunteer for the Forensics Discovery and Recovery Workshop in 2011 and the Fifth Annual NC State Forensic Science Symposium in 2012. 

What is your fondest memory of being at NC State and the Wilson College of Textiles?

In 2011, I learned the rules of football from Professor Martin King when we went to the Textile Bowl. That day, the Wolfpack won with a 37-13 lead.

Who influenced you most during your time at the Wilson College of Textiles? And why or how?

My advisor, Cone Mills Distinguished Professor David Hinks, who serves as the dean of the Wilson College of Textiles, is a great role model to me both in academia and in life. He supported my research interests in textile chemistry and guided me through my studies for my master’s degree and Ph.D.

Dean Hinks provided me with a tremendous amount of opportunities not only in research but also in the textile industry.

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

The lessons I took from the Wilson College of Textiles provided me with a solid foundation to conduct research in textile science. This includes lessons about:

• color science from Distinguished Professor Renzo Shamey,
• analytical chemistry from Associate Professor Jesse Jur,
• polymer science from retired Professor Stephen Michaelson and Professor Emeritus Alan Tonelli,
• color chemistry from Professor Emeritus Harold Freeman,
• textile chemistry from Professor Emeritus Peter Hauser, and 
• Lean Six Sigma from Distinguished Professor Blan Godfrey and Professor Warren Jasper.

That knowledge has also made me successful during my time at INVISTA and the LYCRA Company. The projects I worked on, which Cotton Inc., HBI and Nike sponsored, helped me gain skills to transfer from academia to industry.

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

I served on the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council previously, from 2018 to 2020, and I was proud to be a mentor for the Blend Mentorship Program in 2022 and 2023. 

To connect with Wang on LinkedIn, you can view his profile here.