AATCC announces winners of the 2025 Herman and Myrtle Goldstein Graduate Student Paper Competition
The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) has announced the winners of the 2025 Herman and Myrtle Goldstein Graduate Student Paper Competition, recognizing outstanding graduate research from emerging textile scientists across the globe.
Established in 1982, the competition was created to give student members a platform to conduct and present original research. In 1994, it was renamed in honor of Herman and Myrtle Goldstein following their US$60,000 endowment. Their contribution continues to support and encourage young professionals entering the textile field.
Each year, the competition follows a structured three-round process. Students begin with an abstract submission, move on to a full research paper, and conclude with a presentation delivered at AATCC’s annual conference or committee meetings. The process emphasizes both research quality and the ability to communicate technical findings clearly.
The four highest-scoring students from the paper review stage were invited to present their work at the 2025 AATCC and SEAMS Fabricating the Future Conference. AATCC extended its appreciation to the 2025 judging panel, chaired by Kanti Jasani, with judges Martin Bide, Barry Brady, Renuka Dhandapani, Tim Dixon, and Nelson Houser.
First Place
Fatima Garcia Corona
North Carolina State University, Wilson College of Textiles
Hometown: Efland, North Carolina, USA
Fatima Garcia Corona earned first place for her research titled “A Comparison of Five Fiber Fragment and Microfiber Test Methods.” She completed her master’s thesis in July 2025 under the supervision of Karen Leonas within the Textile Sustainability Research Lab.
Corona explained that presenting her work helped her gain fresh perspectives, especially during the audience Q&A, which brought new insight into fiber fragment release and its relevance to industry practice. Her research was supported by the AATCC Foundation Student Research Support Grant and the Wilson College of Textiles Sustainability Committee Microgrant.
She is currently working as an Advanced Technology intern at Mann+Hummel and is seeking a full-time role to continue building on her academic and industry experience.
Second Place (Tie)
Arifur Rahman
Pittsburg State University
Hometown: Bangladesh
Arifur Rahman shared his work on “A Novel Approach for Fabrication of Lactose Fibers Derived from Milk Using Melt Centrifugal and Rotary Jet Spinning.” Conducted under the guidance of Dr. Mazeyar Parvinzadeh Gashti in the Textile Research and Testing Lab, the study explored the practical potential of milk-derived fibers.
Rahman noted that the project taught him the importance of balancing creativity with manufacturability, cost, and real-world application. After completing his master’s degree, he plans to pursue an industry role focused on translating laboratory research into market-ready products.
He expressed gratitude to his advisor and to AATCC for offering a platform that connects student researchers with professionals from across the textile sector.
Second Place (Tie)
Prateeti Ugale
North Carolina State University, Wilson College of Textiles
Hometown: Mumbai, India
Prateeti Ugale presented “Durability of Conductive Silver Inks Printed on Fabrics Under Household Washing Conditions.” Her work, carried out in the SHIFT (Smart Holistically Integrated and Functional Textiles) Research Group under advisor Amanda Mills, examined the stretchability and wash durability of printed electronic textiles.
Ugale shared that the research process involved setbacks that led to new approaches and problem-solving strategies. She plans to enter industry after graduating in Spring 2026, with a focus on wearable technology development.
She acknowledged the support of the Goldstein Competition and the AATCC Foundation Student Research Support Grant, as well as the guidance and mentorship of her advisor.
Fourth Place
Mushfika Mica
North Carolina State University, Wilson College of Textiles
Mushfika Mica presented “From Ballistics to Burnout – Modeling Heat Strain in Firefighters Wearing Enhanced PPE.” She is currently a PhD candidate working under advisors Emiel DenHartog and Roger Barker. Her research addresses heat strain modeling for firefighters, contributing to safer and more effective protective apparel design.
AATCC continues to support graduate student members by providing opportunities to present meaningful research with direct industry relevance. The Herman and Myrtle Goldstein Graduate Student Paper Competition reflects the association’s long-standing commitment to education, research, and the next generation of textile professionals.
