{"id":53294,"date":"2023-10-20T09:45:45","date_gmt":"2023-10-20T13:45:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/textiles.ncsu.edu\/?p=53294"},"modified":"2023-10-20T09:45:47","modified_gmt":"2023-10-20T13:45:47","slug":"william-halligan-13-15-a-flyknit-engineer-ii-at-nike-joins-the-deans-young-alumni-leadership-council","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/textiles.ncsu.edu\/news\/2023\/10\/william-halligan-13-15-a-flyknit-engineer-ii-at-nike-joins-the-deans-young-alumni-leadership-council\/","title":{"rendered":"William Halligan \u201913, \u201915, a Flyknit Engineer II at Nike, Joins the Dean\u2019s Young Alumni Leadership Council"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n

William Halligan’s career journey embodies his passion for sustainability, from the Wilson College of Textiles classrooms to the innovation hub of Nike’s world headquarters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Halligan honed his expertise in textiles and sustainability while working as a graduate research assistant at the Nonwovens Institute<\/a> and a lab assistant in the Wilson College\u2019s Springs Weaving Lab<\/a>. He felt thoroughly encouraged along the way by his faculty advisors and the labs\u2019 dedicated staff members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWorking in the labs brought me some of the best memories during my time at NC State,\u201d says Halligan. \u201cI learned in-depth fabric formation, chemical and raw material sourcing, yarn and fabric analysis, and product development. Creating design of experiments (DOE) and project management have proven to be essential tools that I use every day in my career.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After graduating in 2015 with his master\u2019s degree in textile engineering<\/a>, he accepted a position as an associate Flyknit product engineer at Nike\u2019s world headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of William\u2019s favorite projects thus far at Nike has been the Pegasus Turbo Next Nature running shoe<\/a>, which utilizes recycled and solution-dyed Flyknit yarns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt showcases Flyknit doing what it does best,\u201d he explains. \u201cAt Nike, we are pushing our sustainability initiatives without compromising performance.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Halligan has chosen to pay forward that support by serving on the Dean\u2019s Young Alumni Leadership Council<\/a>, where he was named a new member. This volunteer position will allow him to provide leadership and guidance to Dean David Hinks and the North Carolina Textile Foundation<\/a>, specifically regarding alumni engagement and fundraising. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn more about Halligan\u2019s career journey by reading his Q&A below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Degree<\/strong> B.S. Textile Technology<\/a>, 2013; M.S. Textile Engineering<\/a>, 2015
Job Title <\/strong>Flyknit Engineer II, Nike
Current City<\/strong> Portland, Oregon
Hometown<\/strong> Pinehurst, North Carolina<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is your fondest memory of being at NC State and the Wilson College of Textiles?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I absolutely enjoyed working in the Springs Weaving Lab<\/a> and the Knitting Lab<\/a> here on campus. Projects in the labs helped me understand what a career in product development would look like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who influenced you most during your time at the Wilson College of Textiles?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Two individuals stand out: Philip Dail, the college\u2019s former director of advising and admissions, and Professor Emeritus Jon Rust<\/a>.

\u201cP Dail\u201d got me on track in the Wilson College as a freshman and helped me understand how to adapt to college life, understand the many programs the Wilson College offers, and how to put myself on the path to graduation. Dr. Rust took an interest in me while advising my group in our Senior Design<\/a> capstone, and he helped me tremendously in networking. Ultimately, his support led to my decision to attend graduate school and helped me to secure the opportunity to work as a research assistant at the Nonwovens Institute<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How did your education at the Wilson College of Textiles prepare you for what you are doing today?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I learned about in-depth fabric formation, from selecting chemicals and raw materials to creating yarns and fabrics. I also learned about fabric characterization, creating design of experiments (DOE), and project management. All of these are core competencies that I use within my current role at Nike, creating Flyknit sustainable footwear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n