From bandage strips to synthetic skin, from golf balls to rocket shields, from airbags to heart valves, the state of American textiles is alive and well. By Liz Newall, contributions by Kathleen Nalley Photos by Darryl Glubczynski F ew universities have been in the business of preparing students for this ever-changing field as long or as well as Clemson. But, no doubt, he had confidence that Clemson would not only keep up with the changes but create many of them through its own research and leadership. In celebration of 100 years of success, Clemson's School of Textiles, Fiber and Polymer Science , one of the top four such programs in the country, has begun a yearlong celebration.
Students can celebrate the rewards too.
And Clemson has a 100 percent placement rate for graduating textile majors. It's about discovering advanced medical applications, defining innovative environmental solutions, designing automotive and aerospace components, and developing a career that can impact lives all over the globe. The school is a key component of Clemson's new Center for Advanced Engineering Fibers and Films , recently designated as a National Engineering Research Center by the National Science Foundation. It is the only NSF center in the country to deal exclusively with films and fibers. In addition, Clemson is one of the founding members of the National Textile Center, an alliance of Southeastern universities working to aid the textile industry.