Lauren Henry earned her Master of Science in Textiles and Apparel Entrepreneurship degree from Florida State University in August 2025, after completing her B.S. in Retail Entrepreneurship with a concentration in Product Development. From April 2024 to October 2025, she worked as a Graduate Research Assistant and Laboratory Manager under Dr. Meredith McQuerry in the ThermaNOLE Comfort Lab® and Textile Testing Lab, where she served as the primary operator of the ANDI thermal manikin and sweating guarded hotplate (SGHP).
In this role, she managed research projects, trained and supervised students, and traveled to assist with data collection while also communicating findings with PPE designers and industry partners. Her work was recognized with two research awards for studies on firefighting PPE fit (NFPA 2025) and on cotton performance technologies in upholstery applications. As President of the FSU AATCC Student Chapter, she revitalized membership, expanded programming, and created professional development opportunities with industry leaders. She is now pursuing a career in material development, applying her background in performance testing, lab management, and textile innovation to industry challenges.
