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A Day In The Life of an NC State Student: Penny Kudlak

TECS

A student presents a large research poster to peers and judges, who stand around a table and face away from the camera. They are in a large lobby and surrounded by other attendees.

May 22, 2026

Undergraduates Develop Solutions for Industry Leaders in Senior Design

Seniors majoring in textile engineering and textile technology took on year-long development projects for the Senior Design capstone course.
Sophia Thompson looks down at her forearm, which is being equipped with an armband with embedded technology. Her dark hair is in a slicked-back ponytail and she wears a navy and white striped sweater. To the right is another student fastening the armband, and a lab is laid out behind them with two other student in frame working on countertops.

May 20, 2026

Undergraduate Conducts Research in Emerging Wearable Electronics Lab

Sophia Thompson first heard of the SHIFT lab during a guest lecture from its principal investigator, Amanda Mills. At the time, Thompson was a fresh face in fashion and textile management, having just transferred into the program from human biology.   The Smart Holistically Integrated and Functional Textiles (SHIFT) Research Group is a laboratory of graduate…
Kat Charrier holds up the "Go Pack" hand sign as she smiles at the camera and wears a bright red shirt. The complex machinery of the Spinning Lab is blurry behind her.

May 18, 2026

Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Student Thrives in the Spinning Lab

Kat Charrier has grown her confidence and technical skill set during her time working in the Zeis Textiles Extension, which has only aided her academic path in management.
Wilson College of Textiles sign

Apr 23, 2026

Two Wilson College Faculty Receive Outstanding Engagement Award 

Amanda Mills and Xiaomeng Fang are honored for their contributions both inside and outside the classroom. 
Dynamic PyroMan on fire in the Textile Protection and Comfort Center.

Apr 22, 2026

Dynamic PyroMan™ Earns Patent, Advancing Testing for Protective Apparel

A breakthrough patent brings real-world motion to thermal testing, aiming to redefine how protective apparel is evaluated under fire.
A group of people pose smiling in front of a step-and-repeat banner with NC State Wilson College of Textiles and Wells Fargo logos. Some have their "wolves up." Red and white balloons decorate the scene.

Apr 21, 2026

Recap: Wells Fargo Pitch to the Pack Competition 2026

Here’s the rundown on the second annual Wells Fargo Pitch to the Pack competition.
Courtney Priester-Funderburk smiles and sits on a raised platform with a installation featuring a Target logo visible in the background.

Apr 10, 2026

Courtney Priester-Funderburk ’15: Safety, Quality and Regulatory Engineer at Target

Wilson College of Textiles alumna Courtney Priester-Funderburk details how her time at NC State shaped her current career path.
Wilson College of Textiles building and breezeway from graduate commons

Mar 30, 2026

New Associate Department Heads Hired at the Wilson College of Textiles

Both new associate department heads have one common goal in their new roles: helping others.
Mengmeng Zhu stands at the front of a classroom holding papers and speaking, while students with laptops sit at desks and listen. The classroom features red chairs, a whiteboard and a bulletin board.

Mar 26, 2026

Wilson College of Textiles Faculty Member Receives 2026 Outstanding Teacher Award for “Real World” Application of Technical Concepts

Assistant Professor Mengmeng Zhu has been recognized by the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost for this year’s Outstanding Teacher Award.
A YouTube thumbnail with a collage and scrapbook-like style shows a selfie of Penny Kudlak outside and photos of the Wilson College of Textiles courtyard, a lab, sushi, and an beaded embroidery sample in a hoop. "Day in the Life!" is written in curved white font with a red background.

Mar 18, 2026

A Day In The Life of an NC State Student: Penny Kudlak

Textile technology student Penny Kudlak offers advice to prospective students and reflects on her research and work experience with the Wilson College of Textiles.