Gerber Technology has presented its FashionTech Professional Award to Dr. Helen Koo for yielding breakthrough innovations in wearable technology. She has also been recognised for founding the Fashion Design and Technology Lab at the University of California, Davis.
Koo, assistant professor of the department of design at University of California, was selected because of the creative and practical projects designed by her students in the field of wearable technology. She also focused her research on clothing designed to help those with special needs and physical limitations such as mobility and vision as well as developing clothing to help manage chronic diseases.
The FashionTech Professional Award was a contest for FashionTech instructors, faculty and professionals from colleges and universities that are members of ITAA. This year, the contestants submitted an essay describing how they and their school utilised advancements in technology to inspire students over the last 18 months and the resulting student projects.
The winner received a subscription of Gerber software and training valued at $20,000 and includes industry-leading products such as AccuMark and YuniquePLM as well as training through Gerber University.
“We are honoured to recognise Dr Koo and support her with Gerber Technology products to further her cause of enabling research directed at solving quality-of-life issues. Her work, inspiring the future generation of FashionTech designers aiding those with disabilities, is an admirable use of technology in the fashion industry,” said Elizabeth King, vice president, digital solutions community and ecosystem at Gerber Technology.
Koo’s research and creative activity interests include apparel design and product development, wearable technology, functional garments and sustainable designs. She has conducted multidisciplinary funded research projects on developing functional gear for sports, protective products and clothing for extreme environments, and smart clothing with sensors for healthcare.
The award was presented at the International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA) 2016 Conference. The ITAA 2016 Conference marks the first year Gerber has given the award.
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