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Philadelphia student team wins prize for US defence suit

01 Feb '17

2 min read

A team of Philadelphia University (PhilaU) students have won the top prize in a US Department of Defense challenge to redesign protective chemical-biological suits for military troops. A second PhilaU team was a runner-up. Philadelphia University is a private university with 3,700 students enrolled in more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs.

The Proof Challenge by the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense (JPEO-CBD) sought innovative ideas from the public to increase mobility, dexterity and tactility of these suits, allowing troops to complete their tasks, such as running and climbing, in a fast and comfortable manner.

The winning PhilaU team, which will share the $55,000 top prize, focused on improving tactility and dexterity, interviewing Navy SEALs to better understand which areas in the current suit could benefit from upgrades. They will work with JPEO-CBD on next steps to bring their innovative concepts to reality.

The team included fashion merchandising and management alumni and current MBA students Madeline Haas and Nicole Raab, fashion design seniors Jess Roberts and Itohan Asemota; textile engineering junior Shana Kaplan; and textile materials technology junior Angela Villanueva.

Kaplan said, “After looking into the current design and interviewing a group of Navy SEALs about their experiences with the suit, we outlined major aspects to improve. Our final suit is a synthesis of original apparel design and integration of new technologies, with a focus on comfort and functionality.”

Other PhilaU faculty members participating in the project were Jonathan Spindel, director of engineering programs; Brian George, associate professor of engineering; Janet Brady, associate professor of materials technology; Marcia Weiss, director of textile design and Harold Neuman Textile Design Chair; Sheila Connelly, fashion design program director; Monica Lam, academic dean, School of Business Administration; Pielah Kim, assistant professor of fashion merchandising and management; Joseph Fritz, adjunct professor of business; Justin O'Pella, assistant dean, Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and Commerce; and John Venafro, fashion events coordinator. Michael Asada, a doctoral student in strategic leadership, advised students for the project. (GK)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India

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