{"id":26191,"date":"2022-04-19T14:59:54","date_gmt":"2022-04-19T18:59:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/textiles.ncsu.edu\/news\/?p=26191"},"modified":"2024-03-29T16:18:54","modified_gmt":"2024-03-29T20:18:54","slug":"lauren-durrell-14-a-passion-for-combating-waste-led-to-a-dream-career-at-nike","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/textiles.ncsu.edu\/news\/2022\/04\/lauren-durrell-14-a-passion-for-combating-waste-led-to-a-dream-career-at-nike\/","title":{"rendered":"Lauren Durrell \u201914: A Passion for Combating Waste Led to a Dream Career at Nike"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n

By Kamilah Heslop<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As an out-of-state student from New York, Lauren Durrell \u201914<\/strong> considers her path to NC State a long one. While it took her away from her home, she gained lifelong friendships that have deepened her connection to the university and her college.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Durrell first learned about the Wilson College of Textiles during an academic fair on campus. She knew immediately that she had found the right fit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI got a late start at the college, but it was one of the best decisions I have ever made,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She split her time between serving on the university\u2019s cheerleading team and attending textile technology classes on Centennial Campus. While she was a student, Durrell discovered her passion for fighting climate change by eliminating waste. In addition to focusing her Senior Design project on that topic, she has let her continued interest in sustainability guide her entire career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, Durrell is the project manager of sustainable innovation at Nike. Learn more about her path to success in the Q&A below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Degree<\/strong> B.S. Textile Technology<\/a>, 2014
Job Title<\/strong> Project Manager of Sustainable Innovation at Nike, Inc.
Current City<\/strong> Portland, Oregon
Hometown<\/strong> Binghamton, New York<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why did you choose NC State and the Wilson College of Textiles? <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

I started out at NC State thinking that I would receive my undergraduate degree in business administration. Then, I went to a college fair for the Wilson College of Textiles<\/a> and immediately knew I needed to change my path. I got a late start at the college but it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What activities were you involved in as an NC State student and how did they impact your experience? <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

I was a part of NC State\u2019s coed cheerleading team<\/a>, which fulfilled my need for competition. Cheerleading also fueled my love of sporting events, and the atmosphere within the Carter-Finley Stadium is still one of my best memories. Most importantly, it led to amazing friendships and a great sense of what it means to truly be a part of a team, which is something that is key to succeeding in my career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who influenced you most during your time at the Wilson College of Textiles? And why or how?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

I have to say my Senior Design<\/a> group and the company we worked alongside. My greatest accomplishments while at Nike have been built off of the work we did as a collaborative team<\/a> of eager students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Joseph Hage \u201914, \u201915 and Josh Knippel \u201914<\/a> were awesome to work with, and I have had the privilege of watching the company, now known as Osomtex<\/a>, grow into an entirely new business from the ground up. The company upcycles existing clothing into spun yarns that can be used in apparel, footwear and home goods. <\/p>\n\n\n\n