Nilesh P. Ingle and Kathryn C. Dutton
Doctoral Students, Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management

A first of its kind forum took place November 3-6, 2006, at Donghua University on the Songjiang campus near Shanghai, P. R. of China. The forum focused on the research of doctoral students from around the world. The International Forum on Textile Science & Engineering for Doctoral Candidates, arranged by Donghua University, was sponsored by The Academic Degrees Commission of the State Council and The Academic Degrees Administration Graduate Education Department of Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China and organized by Donghua University.

The forum consisted of special presentations from experts of different disciplines and paper presentations by students from around the world. The student presentations were then evaluated by a panel of experts. The following were the session categories:

1. Composites & Nano Technology; Modeling & Simulation
2. Characterization & Evaluation
3. Fashion & Science
4. Functional Fibers & Green Fibers
5. Performance & Property
6. Textile Chemistry & Environment

Our College of Textiles at North Carolina State University was represented on several occasions. First was the inaugural welcome speech by Kathryn C. Dutton given on behalf of all the doctoral students at the forum. Second was the plenary speech by Dr. Martin W. King at the opening ceremony titled “The Challenges and Rewards of Doctoral Studies in the Twenty-First Century.” This was quite an inspiring presentation especially for those students who are currently conducting research. It gave the students hope that one day it will be their own research that will give them wings to fly and explore the horizons of new sciences and technologies. The final speech at the forum was given by Nilesh P. Ingle which represented all the doctoral students at the closing ceremony. The speech noted the "New World of Textiles," in which we are entering and the collaborative research initiatives that will lead us into exploring this exciting new world of textiles.

Dr. Martin King and Nilesh P. Ingle, Ph.D Student

Three students from the College of Textiles had the opportunity to present their research at the forum. These three students also won awards for their paper and presentation.

The NC State doctoral students were able to sight see and experience the Asian culture. Qiqi had an opportunity to spend time with her family, who live in Shanghai. Thanks to the wonderful hospitality of Donghua University graduate students, Kate and Nilesh had the opportunity to see parts of downtown Shanghai including The Bund on the Huangpu River, University City in Songjiang, and Zhou Zhuang, an ancient city dating back to the 12th century, famous for its canals and stone bridges.

It can be said that this trip was a unique experience! It was a Forum where we not only shared our research findings, but also our differences in personal beliefs and thoughts. We had an opportunity to interact with students from around the globe, to learn about different cultures, different research studies and different learning and living environments. After talking to many students who attended the conference, it has left an overall impression that all over the world there is one name in textile education and research, and that is the College of Textiles at North Carolina State University. We have a new appreciation for our country and the resources available to us here at the College of Textiles!

College of Textiles
P.O. Box 8301
Raleigh, NC 27695-8301
Telephone: (919) 515-6646
FAX: (919) 515-3733
JTATM Privacy Policy

Last Site Revision:
February 2, 2006