Auburn University
Auburn University
Auburn University

Karla P. Simmons, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor



308 Spidle Hall
Auburn University
Auburn, AL 36849
Tel (334) 844-1345
Fax (334) 844-1340
simmokp@auburn.edu
 Ph.D. – North Carolina State University – 2002

Interests

     Dr. Simmons' research interests include the application of 3D body scanning, fit and sizing issues related to scanning and the product development process. She has also conducted studies on product development, mass customization, and computer-aided design. Her body scanning research has been presented internationally in England, Korea, Egypt, Australia, and Hong Kong. Dr. Simmons is considered an expert in the field of 3D body scanning technology with experience dating back to its conception in the late 1990s.

Selected Publications and Presentations

Simmons,K.P. & Istook, C.L. (In Review). Preparing the professoriate program: Effective training for future collegiate teaching. Submitted for publication in Journal of Graduate Education.



Simmons,K.P., Istook, C.L., & Cassill, N. (In Review). Decision analysis for the innovation of three-dimensional whole body scanning technology. Submitted for publication in Clothing and Textiles Research Journal.



Simmons, K.P., Istook, C.L., & Devarajan, P. (In Review). Comparison of clothing sizing standards using the Best Fit ® Software. Submitted for publication in Clothing and Textiles Research Journal.



Park, S. E. & Simmons, K.P. (2005, November). The Relationship Between Fashion Leadership And Co-Design Options In Apparel Mass Customization. Presentation at The International Textile and Apparel Association, Washington, D.C.



Simmons, K.P., Oh, H. & Yoon, S.Y. (2005, November). Collaborative Capstone Experiences. Presentation at The International Textile and Apparel Association, Washington, D.C.



Simmons, K.P., Istook, C. & Devarajan, P. (2004, Summer). Female figure identification technique (FFIT) for apparel part I: Describing the female shapes. Journal of Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management, 4(1). Also online at: http://www.tx.ncsu.edu/jtatm/volume4issue1.



Simmons, K.P., Istook, C.L. & Devarajan, P. (2004, November). Female figure identification technique (FFIT©) for apparel. Presentation at The International Textile and Apparel Association, Portland, OR.



Simmons, K.P. and Istook, C.L. (2003). Body measurement techniques: A comparison of three-dimensional body scanning and physical anthropometric methods for apparel application. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, 7 (3), 306-332.



Simmons, K.P. and Istook, C.L. (2002, November). 3D Body scanning measurement procedures: Are they the same as traditional physical anthropometric measures? Presented at the International Foundation of Fashion Technology Institutes, Hong Kong.



Simmons, K.P. and Istook, C.L. (2002, March). Analysis of the Current Sizing System and Body Type Classification for Women’s Ready-To-Wear Clothing in the United States. Presented at Egypt 2002: The Textile Institute 82nd World Conference, Cairo, Egypt.



Simmons, K.P., Istook, C.I., McKinnon, L., Chapman, L.P., and Cassill, N. (2001, June 11). Body measurement issues. Presented at SNU-NCSU Joint Workshop on 3-D Measurement Technology. Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.



Simmons, K.P. and Istook, C.L. (2001, June). Body measurement techniques: A comparison of 3-D body scanning and physical anthropometric techniques. Presented at the Joint World Conference of Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles and The International Textile and Apparel Association. Seoul, Korea.



Simmons, K.P. and Istook, C.L. (2001, May). Comparison of 3-Dimensional body scanners for use potential. Textile Asia, 32(5), 48-52.



Anderson, L.J., Simmons, K.P., Brannon, E., & Ulrich, P. (2001, May). Expert’s Perceptions of Market Turbulence in the Apparel Industry: An Exploratory Case Study. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, 5(2), 156-170.



Simmons, K.P. and Istook, C.L. (2001, April). Comparison of 3-Dimensional body scanners for usage potential. Presented at Australia 2001: The Textile Institute 81st World Conference in Melbourne, Australia.

Selected Research Projects and Grants

     “Modeling the body in three dimensions.” This on-going research project is dedicated to creating a database of 3D body images at Auburn University using a 3D whole body scanner. This database will be used by various faculty members and graduate students to conduct research on numerous topics that relate to body shape and size.



     “Apparel Technology: Curriculum Design and Integration”. This grant was sponsored by the Higher Education Challenge Grant Program of USDA. The purpose was to design an integrated laboratory and classroom curriculum, along with supporting materials for undergraduates that focuses on innovative technologies used by the apparel industry and to reconfigure existing courses to implement these technologies. (UMo)

Thesis Directed

      Park, Se Eun (2004, August). Relationship between fashion leadership and co-design options in apparel mass customization. (UMo)

Courses Taught

CAHS 4800 – Apparel Engineering

Honors and Awards

  • Who’s Who of American Women (2005)
  • New Faculty Teaching Scholar (2005)
  • University Excellence in Advising Nominee (2005) (UMo)
  • College Student Council Outstanding Faculty (2005, 2004, 2003) (UMo)
  • University Excellence in Teaching with Technology Award (2003) (UMo)
  • New Faculty Teaching Scholar (2003) (UMo)
  • Department Outstanding Faculty Award (2005, 2003) (UMo)
  • Textile/Clothing Technology Corporation Faculty Fellowship (1997)

Professional Affiliations

  • International Textile and Apparel Association (1996-present)
  • Textile Institute (2000-present)
  • American Society for Testing and Materials (2000-present)