Student Chapter Award
Each year, every student chapter may name a graduating senior to be recognized for academic achievement and contribution to the chapter, school, or society.
About
Each year, every student chapter Faculty Advisor may name a graduating senior to be recognized for academic achievement and contribution to the chapter, school, or society.
Form Submission
March 15
Chapter Award Winners
- Certificate and a copy of Color Vision and Technology
- Winners also receive one year of free AATCC Membership as they start their careers.
- An announcement and profiles of all winners appear in the AATCC Review and/or newsletter, and on the AATCC website.
2026 Award Winners
Virginia Tech University: Julia McDuffie
Hometown: Bronx, New York, USA
Major: Textile Development and Marketing
Favorite Class in School: Independent Research (Hydrogels from Jellyfish Derived Collagen)
Beyond being an exemplary student and prestigious GenSpace Scholar, FIT Chapter President Georgia Mulligan has brought visibility and connection to her community through events and outreach. Faculty Advisor Whitney Crutchfield shared “Her proactive approach to integrating academic learning with real-world application underscores her exceptional achievement. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership by planning and executing innovative chapter activities, focusing on providing members with real connections to the textile industry and professional development opportunities.”
“I think my favorite part about being a student member of AATCC has been the chance to be in a community of like minded people on campus,” Georgia shared. “After graduation, I will be staying in NYC and hope to work in textile material or product development focusing on innovation and sustainability.”
Utah State University: Emily Celeste Ball
Hometown: Middleton, Idaho, USA
Majors: Family and Consumer Science Education, Fashion Studies Concentration & English, Creative Writing Concentration
Favorite Class in School: Patternmaking
As the founding member and leader of the AATCC Student Chapter at Utah State, Emily Ball has been a powerhouse at her institution. She promoted the club, recruited new members, created a regular series of activities, and was not only a participant in the AATCC C2C Design and Merchandising Competition but was also recognized by the AATCC Foundation and awarded a scholarship. As her advisor Melissa Clark noted, “She excels at everything she sets her mind to do.” When asked about her favorite chapter experience, Ball shared “One of my favorite activities we did was a trip to the NeuInk facility in Logan. We got to see how they produce socks and learn about their entire design process. It was so interesting and I don’t think I would gotten the chance to go tour their facility if I wasn’t in the USU AATCC chapter. “
When asked about her post-graduation plans Ball said “After graduation I plan on teaching sewing and fashion studies as a Family and Consumer Science teacher for the first few years, and then I plan on applying to Fashion school to get a Master’s degree in Costume Design.”
NC State University: David Speckhart
Hometown: Pfafftown, NC, USA
Majors: Chemistry & Polymer and Color Chemistry, American Chemical Society Concentration
Favorite Class in School: Technology of Dyeing and Finishing (Class and Laboratory)
David Speckhart took over as president of one of AATCC’s longest standing student chapters and didn’t let legacy intimidate him; with the support of AATCC Student Chapter Faculty Advisor Karen Leonas he doubled the size of the chapter, lead a group of students to the AATCC annual conference Fabricating the Future, and as an AATCC scholarship winner himself helped NC State students learn about and apply to the AATCC Foundation. His research advisor Nelson Vinueza shared “David Speckhart has consistently demonstrated a profound commitment to academic excellence. As an inquisitive scholar with a drive to master complex concepts, David maintains a proactive learning mindset. His ability to integrate constructive feedback has accelerated his professional growth—a trajectory clearly reflected in his academic achievements.”
After graduation, David plans to pursue textile career opportunities in the Raleigh, NC area, with the goal of building his professional experience close to home.
M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences: Rajasi “RiaRakhi” Das
Hometown: Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Major: Fashion Design, Motif Design and Textile Embroidery
Favorite Class in School: Textile and Motif Design
Rajasi “RiaRakhi” Das has been highly active as one of the founding members of her student chapter. Her advisor, Mamatha G Hegde, noted her strong participation in the AATCC Student Chapter collaborative Miraki Fashion Show where Das showed two sarees using orange peel and silk fabrics and traditional Durga motifs.
On her future plans, Das said “I aspire to become a dedicated academician and mentor, contributing to the growth and development of students through education and guidance.”
Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology: MD. Israfil Hossain Rimon
Hometown: Chandpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Majors: Fabric Manufacturing, B.Sc. in Textile Engineering
Favorite Class in School: Technical Textiles
MD. Israfil Hossain Rimon’s academic achievements, including fantastic grades by publishing several works in peer-reviewed journals, aren’t the only impact he’s left on his university. Faculty Advisor Mohammad Tajul Islam said that beyond being an outstanding academician Rimon “Led the chapter with great enthusiasm and dedication,” including organizing Texposium (a poster presentation competition), an industry visit to the Dysin chemical manufacturing plant, and a workshop. Rimon also mentored juniors to prepare for the next generation of leadership at AUST.
On his future plans, Rimon said “I plan to build my career in the textile industry, focusing on sustainable and innovative textile technologies.” He says his experiences in the chapter strengthened his leadership, teamwork, and practical understanding of the textile field. Rimon has secured employment at a highly reputable Bangladeshi textile company post-graduation.
NED University of Engineering & Technology: Alishba Asim
Hometown: Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Major: B.E. Textile Sciences, Marketing and Merchandising Concentration
Favorite Class in School: Textile Chemistry and Denim Manufacturing Processes
Alishba Asim has been a dedicated contributor of the NED University chapter. Advisor Muhammad Dawood Husain noted her strong leadership and organizational abilities starting from her initial leadership role as Director of Promotions, and later her role as President where she coordinated many successful events. “Her academic discipline, communication skills, and enthusiasm for learning indicate strong potential for a successful career in textile marketing and merchandising,” Husain said.
Asim shared that leading the chapter allowed her to bridge the gap between students and industry through visits and conferences. On her post-graduation plans, Asim said “I plan to pursue a career in textile marketing and merchandising, leveraging my technical background in textile chemistry and manufacturing to drive innovation and growth within the global textile supply chain.”
Thomas Jefferson University: Eureka Smith
Hometown: Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA
Major: Textile Product Science, Sports and High-Performance Materials Concentration
Favorite Classes in School: Weave Technology, Advanced Wovens
Eureka Smith isn’t just an AATCC Student Chapter leader; as part of her work-study in the Jeff Bruner Materials Characterization Lab she performs AATCC standard test methods for industry partners and supports her peers as they perform textile testing. This industry knowledge has helped her build strong relationships with local companies and the AATCC Delaware Valley Section, and as president she’s led students to participate in industry networking events. “Being able to attend the annual AATCC conference and meet professionals and students in textiles has given me a much more in-depth perspective on the industry before ever even graduating.”, she shared.
Faculty Advisor Becky Flax praised Smith’s commitment to developing an elevated understanding of textile science. After graduating, Eureka Smith will pursue a master’s at Thomas Jefferson University in Textile Engineering.
Fashion Institute of Technology: Georgia Badonsky Mulligan
Hometown: Bronx, New York, USA
Major: Textile Development and Marketing
Favorite Class in School: Independent Research (Hydrogels from Jellyfish Derived Collagen)
Beyond being an exemplary student and prestigious GenSpace Scholar, FIT Chapter President Georgia Mulligan has brought visibility and connection to her community through events and outreach. Faculty Advisor Whitney Crutchfield shared “Her proactive approach to integrating academic learning with real-world application underscores her exceptional achievement. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership by planning and executing innovative chapter activities, focusing on providing members with real connections to the textile industry and professional development opportunities.”
“I think my favorite part about being a student member of AATCC has been the chance to be in a community of like minded people on campus,” Georgia shared. “After graduation, I will be staying in NYC and hope to work in textile material or product development focusing on innovation and sustainability.”
Government College University: Afifa Zaka
Hometown: Karachi, Punjab, Pakistan
Major: Applied Chemistry, Dyes and Pigments Minor
Favorite Clasess in School: Chemistry of Dyes and Pigments, Colour Chemistry
Unlike other AATCC Student Chapters, the College University Chapter is centered around a research group and supported by student leader Afifa Zaka. As a leader she’s helped facilitate other students research and experimentation, ensured successful projects, aided students with preparing for international presentations, and helped Faculty Advisor Shahid Adeel conduct workshops and seminars.
An adept researcher, Zaka has has won a silver medal for her academic performance, published a book chapter through Springer titled “Biotechnological Innovations for Sustainable and Environment-Friendly Textile Production”, and is submitting research in tannin-based bio-mordants for publication. Zaka plans to continue a career in research, sharing she wants to pursue topics such as “textile dyeing and pigments particularly natural dyes for natural fabric in revival of cultural heritage.”
Past Award Winners
