The subject of articles range from women coverlets to costume in eighteenth-century paintings and swimwear in the 1930's. These studies draw on relationships of dress to contemporary theories and traditions in art, technological innovations, or societal customs and more. Kathryn Jakes - Dr. Jakes' research concern the degradation mechanisms of polymers and the identification and characterization of fibrous polymers. Historic and archaeological textiles are employed as examples of naturally aged materials while modern textiles that are defective are examined as examples of deterioration in processing or use. The results of these analyses yield information contributing to the identification of fibers, to the characterization of dyes and other treatments, and to the definition of the mechanisms of degradation which the materials have undergone.
Thermal analysis is employed in certain characterization of polymeric materials.
One recent study was concerned with the effect of fiber reactive dyes on the thermal degradation of cotton cellulos. Nancy S. Rudd -Dr. Rudd's research focuses on meeting the psychosocial, aesthetic and functional needs relating to clothing and appearance of specific mass-market and social needs consumer groups. Other consumer groups have included post-mastectomy women, the elderly, chemotherapy patients, and homosexual men. The intent of this research focus is to improve the quality of life for individuals through self-image and presentation of self to others via appearance management strategies.