Alumna from Wilson College Begins Her Professorial Journey at Appalachian State University
Nimet Degirmencioglu, a dedicated advocate for fair trade and sustainability in the textile industry, has made a significant impact in her field. Her research focus at the Wilson College of Textiles, where she earned her Ph.D. in Textile Technology Management (TTM) in 2020, was centred on fair trade in textile production.
During her time at Wilson College, Degirmencioglu engaged in teaching and research opportunities related to sustainability and fair trade. This built upon her master's degree in Global Fashion Management from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where her interest in social innovation originated. She also promoted fair trade practices through university events and symposiums, demonstrating her active role in both academic research and advocacy around ethical textile production.
While the specific titles or detailed topics of her research projects and dissertation were not explicitly stated, the emphasis was on fair trade within textile production from a social innovation and sustainability perspective, complemented by her practical experience in production and brand development of artisan-made fashion.
After completing her studies at Wilson College, Degirmencioglu started her teaching career there. Her professors were approachable and supportive, and she formed lasting friendships with her fellow students and faculty. This experience was crucial in her transition from industry professional to assistant professor.
In 2021, Degirmencioglu moved to Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, where she is currently an assistant professor of Apparel Design and Merchandising. She brings her passion for fair trade and sustainability to her new role, continuing to inspire and educate the next generation of textile professionals.
Before moving to the United States, Degirmencioglu spent over 12 years working in the textile industry in New York. Her work in the industry led her to develop an interest in sustainable textiles. In fact, during her time in New York, she started an all artisan-made fashion collection with a classmate while completing her master's degree.
Degirmencioglu's teaching experience at Wilson College was also valuable. She gained teaching experience, including being the instructor on record for a merchandising course and a teaching assistant for marketing and global supply chain courses.
Before her career in academia, Degirmencioglu worked in a weaving mill in Turkey. She completed her undergraduate degree in Textile Engineering in Turkey before moving to New York in 2014. The Empire State Building housed her office during her time in the New York textile industry.
Despite working across the state, Degirmencioglu maintains important relationships with fellow students and faculty from the Wilson College. The Wilson College, housed in four interconnected buildings that form a unified campus, helped create a strong sense of community in her program. This sense of community, combined with her passion for fair trade and sustainability, makes Degirmencioglu a valuable asset to the textile industry and academia.
- Nimet Degirmencioglu's research at the Wilson College of Textiles, centered on fair trade in textile production, reflects her PhD in Textile Technology Management (TTM).
- Her work at the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she obtained a master's degree in Global Fashion Management, ignited her interest in social innovation.
- Degirmencioglu actively advocated for fair trade practices, promoting them through university events and symposiums.
- With a social innovation and sustainability perspective, her research projects emphasized fair trade within textile production.
- After earning her Ph.D., Degirmencioglu transitioned from industry professional to assistant professor at the Wilson College of Textiles.
- She continued her passion for fair trade and sustainability at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, as an assistant professor of Apparel Design and Merchandising.
- During her time in the New York textile industry, Degirmencioglu developed an interest in sustainable textiles and began an all artisan-made fashion collection.
- At Wilson College, Degirmencioglu gained teaching experience, including being the instructor on record for a merchandising course and a teaching assistant for marketing and global supply chain courses.
- From her education at the Wilson College and her experience in the textile industry, Degirmencioglu has acquired valuable skills in teaching, research, innovation, and career development.
- Nimet Degirmencioglu's commitment to fair trade, sustainability, and education-and-self-development makes her a key figure in the textile industry, fostering personal-growth and career-development among future textile professionals.
