Iowa State University scholars garner international recognition for apparel work
Fiore named Fellow in industry organization
Ann Marie Fiore, professor in apparel, educational studies and hospitality management (AESHM) will be inducted as a Fellow of the International Textile and Apparel Association, in October. Photo by Jaclyn Hansel.
By
Michelle Rydell
The International Textiles and Apparel Association (ITAA) will recognize several Iowa State University faculty and graduate students for their exceptional contributions to the field of textiles and clothing at its annual conference in October in Seattle, Wash.
The organization is bestowing its highest honor to Ann Marie Fiore for her research, teaching excellence, and dedicated service. Fiore will be named an ITAA Fellow.
Fiore, a professor and director of graduate education in apparel, educational studies, and hospitality management (AESHM), said being inducted into the textile and apparel industry’s leading professional organization was not only an honor, but a tribute to her colleagues who helped her along the way. The award also represents the effect she has had on others.
“We all want our work to be meaningful,” said Fiore, who has worked at Iowa State for 20 years. “This award confirms, for me, the positive impact my scholarship has had on shaping the field.”
Fiore will be the third current Iowa State professor of textiles and clothing to earn the award.
Past ITAA Fellows from Iowa State include Sara Kadolph and Mary Lynn Damhorst, professors in AESHM.
ITAA will also award the Fairchild Publications Textile and Apparel Faculty Grant to Young-A Lee and Sara Marcketti, assistant professors in AESHM. The grant is awarded to faculty who demonstrate potential for unique and effective contributions to the field of textiles and clothing.
The $1,500 grant will allow Lee and Marcketti to use virtual simulation exercises to teach students textile and clothing history and design. The virtual world will replicate working environments of 20th century sweatshops, to help students better understand today’s societal factors that contribute to inhumane working conditions.
Marcketti will also receive the 2009 ITAA Rising Star Award, a new award which recognizes outstanding junior faculty members. Marcketti began teaching at Iowa State in 2007, and says she is “tremendously honored” to be recognized so early in her career.
“It feels great to have my teaching and research work recognized through this work,” she said. “I am very fortunate that many people in my professional and personal life have supported and mentored me in the realization of my passion and interest in the textiles and apparel field.”
Three Iowa State graduate students also captured the attention of the association, earning four out of six available ITAA awards to support their studies. The students were selected for their research, outstanding potential, and commitment to the field.
Eunjoo Cho will receive the Marjorie Joseph Scholarship for beginning doctoral-level students. Cho also earned the Sara Douglas Professional Promise Fellowship, as will master’s student Ashley Ratute. The ITAA will honor Ui-Jeen Yu with the Lois Dickey Fellowship to support completion of her doctoral dissertation.
Fiore joins ranks with other ISU faculty
Ann Marie Fiore is the third current Iowa State University professor to be named an ITAA Fellow. Sara Kadolph and Mary Lynn Damhorst, professors in AESHM shared the honor.
“This award confirms, for me, the positive impact my scholarship has had on shaping the field," Fiore said.
Fiore will be recognized at the ITAA annual conference in Seattle, Wash. in October.
