Fabrics treated with shear thickening fluids (STF) have exhibited excellent resistance to spike, stab and low-velocity ballistic threats. Recent research has shown that STF-treated fabrics offer resistance to hypodermic needle puncture, as well. The fabrics used in the hypodermic needle studies were limited to a plain weave construction comprised of Kevlar® yarns of various deniers. While Kevlar® is an effective protective textile, it is costly, difficult to work with, and does not possess the desired comfort characteristics of typical apparel textiles. This research has two facets: first, it involves investigating existing textile materials as well as developing new fabric architectures that can be impregnated with STF to improve their puncture resistance to a variety of needle and impact threats. Second, a variety of protective garments will be assembled from the treated materials and evaluated on their suitability, functionality, and comfort.

I come to the Wagner group as a textile production engineer from the textile, sewn products, and engineered soft-goods manufacturing industries. In addition, I assist the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies in teaching apparel and textile courses.