The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) proudly welcomes two new Student Chapters in the 2025-2026 academic year. This fall, the AATCC C6 Membership Committee and the AATCC Board of Directors voted to affirm Pittsburg State University and M. S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences (Department of Fashion Design) as officially recognized AATCC Student Chapters. By gaining official AATCC Student Chapter status, the students in these chapters increase their program recognition and advance their engagement within the global textile industry. AATCC is excited to support these new chapters through funding for educational activities and enhanced access to learning resources.
Pittsburg State University
Based out of Pittsburg, Kansas, Pittsburg State University (PSU) joins Central Michigan University in the newly re-established Great Lakes Section. The chapter was formed with active support from the Great Lakes Education Chair Mazeyar Parvinzadeh Gashti, who is currently an Assistant Professor and will serve as the Faculty Advisor of the Student Chapter. On the inception of the Student Chapter, student Founding President Isaac Mountain says “The PSU AATCC Student Chapter is dedicated to fostering student innovation in textile chemistry through hands-on research and collaboration. Our projects include developing sustainable fibers from natural proteins, experimenting with eco-friendly coatings, and exploring modern fabrication techniques like 3D fiber extrusion. With AATCC’s support, we aim to grow these initiatives, expand student access to textile research, and strengthen the next generation of textile scientists committed to sustainability and innovation.”
M. S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences (Department of Fashion Design)
The establishment of the AATCC Student Chapter within the Department of Fashion Design at M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences marks a historic first for AATCC with the first design and merchandising focused chapter within India. Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Fashion Design Mamatha G. Hegde will be leading the chapter as Faculty Advisor with support from the student Founding Chair Rajasi Das and International Faculty Advisor Seshadri Ramkumar. Hedge affirmed that the Student Chapter will engage with emerging textile, apparel, and fashion technology, and plans to highlight best industry practices through curriculum, educational events, and publications.
Learn more about AATCC student chapters at https://www.aatcc.org/chapters/
AATCC connects the global textile community to empower an innovative, informed, and sustainable future. Headquartered in the Research Triangle Park of North Carolina, AATCC has provided standards development, testing materials, educational resources, and professional networking to the global textile industry for more than a century.
Membership Contact: Maria C. Thiry; Communications & Membership Director; [email protected]