Karla P. Simmons, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor 372 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, Textile Technology Management M.S. Auburn University, 1996, Apparel Production Management B.S. Auburn University, 1992, Textile Management and Technology

Scholarly 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.

Courses Taught

• CAHS 2800 - Introduction to Apparel Production Management
• CAHS 3600 - Textiles
• CAHS 3900 - Directed Studies
• CAHS 4800 – Apparel Engineering
• CAHS 4970 - Problems in Design
• CAHS 5750/6750 - Apparel Line Development
• CAHS 7910 - Supervised Teaching
• CAHS 7970 - Directed Research in Design
• CAHS 7990 - Research and Thesis
• ITAS 7200 - Integrated Textile & Apparel Complex

Selected Publications and Presentations

• Gropper, S.S., Simmons, K.P., Gaines, A., Drawdy, K., Saunders, D., Ulrich, P., & Connell, L.J.(In Revision).  The freshman 15 - a closer look. Will be resubmitted to Journal of American College Health.
• Vallone, A. & Simmons, K.P. (2008, November).   A study of the success and failure of apparel entrepreneurs. Published in the proceedings of and presented at the International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL.
• Simmons, K.P., Connell, L.J. Ulrich, P.V. & Balasubramaniam, M.(2008,November). The “Freshman 15”: Body image and body satisfaction. Published in proceedings of and presented as a poster at International Textile Apparel Association, Chicago, IL.
• Gropper, S., Saunders, D., Gaines, A., Simmons, K. & , Connell, L.J. (2008, March 14).  Weight and body composition changes in first semester college freshmen. Abstract for poster at Auburn University Research Day 2008.
• Saunders, D., Gaines, A., Simmons, K., Connell, L.J. & Gropper, S. (2008, March 14).  Weight and body composition changes in first semester college freshmen. Presentation at Auburn University Research Day 2008.
• Gropper, S., Drawdy, K., Gaines, A., Connell, L.J., Simmons, K., Ulrich, P. & Zizza, C. (2008, April). It is NOT the Freshmen 15. Abstract and poster presented at the Experimental Biology Conference. Auburn University.
• Simmons, K.P., Connell, L.J., Gropper, S., & Ulrich, P.V. (2007, November). Changes in weight and body size of first semester freshmen. Published in the proceedings of and presented at the International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Meeting, Los Angeles, CA.
• Ulrich, P.V., Connell, L.J. & Simmons, K.P. (2007, November). Tween boys’ body size and body satisfaction. Published In the proceedings of and presented at the International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Meeting, Los Angeles, CA.
• Simmons, K.P. & Helm,S. (2007, November). The Science of Design Initiative. Published in the proceedings of and presented at The International Textile and Apparel Association, Los Angeles, CA.
• Simmons, K.P., Stevens, S. F. & Wilson, L.E. (2006, November). Apparel design: Curriculum design and integration through a USDA Challenge Grant. Published in proceedings of and presented at The International Textile and Apparel Association, Austin, TX.
• Simmons, K.P. & Istook, C.L. (2006, Autumn).  Preparing the professoriate program: Effective training for future collegiate teaching. Journal of Graduate Education,3 (4), 133-140.
• Simmons, K.P., Oh, H. & Yoon, S.Y. (2005, November). Collaborative Capstone Experiences. Published in proceedings of and presented at The International Textile and Apparel Association. Washington, D.C.
• Park, S. E. & Simmons, K.P. (2005, November). The Relationship Between Fashion Leadership And Co-Design Options In Apparel Mass Customization.  Published in proceedings of and presented at The International Textile and Apparel Association,  Washington, D.C.
• Simmons, K.P., Oh, H. & Yoon, S.Y. (2005, November). Collaborative Capstone Experiences.   Published in proceedings of and presented at The International Textile and Apparel Association,  Washington, D.C.
• Simmons, K.P., Istook, C.L. & Devarajan, P. (2005, March). The Female Figure Identification Technique (FFIT) for Apparel: Analysis of the Female Shape. Published in proceedings of and presented as a poster at The Textile Institute 84th Annual World Conference, Raleigh, NC.
• 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).  http://www.tx.ncsu.edu/jtatm/volume4issue1 .
• Simmons, K.P.., Istook, C. & Devarajan, P. (2004, Summer).  Female figure identification technique (FFIT) for apparel part II: Development of shape sorting software. Journal of Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management, 4(1).  http://www.tx.ncsu.edu/jtatm/volume4issue1 .
• 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.

Selected Research Projects and Grants

• Gropper, S.S.,  Connell, L.J., Keiley, M., Simmons, K.P., Ulrich, P.V., Wickrama, T., &  Zizza, C. (2008 -2010). Longitudinal collegiate study of body composition/size, and related environmental, behavioral and psychological factors: Obesity implications. Alabama Agricultural Experimental Station.
• Simmons, K.P., Chattaraman, V. & Ulrich, P.V. (2008-9). Analysis of Body Shape and Apparel Fit Preferences of Male Consumers. Auburn University Mentoring Grant.
• Gropper, S., Connell, L.J., Keiley, M.K., .Kerpelman, J., Simmons, K.P., Ulrich, P.V. & Zizza, C. (2007). A Longitudinal Study of Body Weight, Composition, Size, and Shape, and Related Environmental, Behavioral, and Psychological Factors in College Students: Implications for Obesity.Alabama Agricultural Experimental Station.
• Simmons, K.P. (2007-8). 3D Apparel Pattern Development Using Body Scan Data.Auburn University Competitive Research Grant.
• Connell, L.J. & Simmons, K.P. (2006-2011).  A Longitudinal Study of Changes in Body Size and Shape in College Students using 3-D Body Scanning. Alabama Agricultural Experimental Station.
• Connell, L.J., Ulrich, P.V., & Simmons, K.P. (2006-9). Apparel Product Development for the Plus-Sized Teen and Tween Boy Markets.  National Textile Center, Department of Commerce.
• Connell, L.J., Ulrich, P.V., & Simmons, K.P. (2005-7).  Apparel Product Development for the Plus-Sized Teen and Tween Girl Markets.  National Textile Center, Department of Commerce.
• Simmons, K.P., Connell, L.J. & Ulrich, P.V. (2005-6).  Thy Enterprises, Product Development Project for United States Air Force Special Forces.
• Connell, L.J. & Simmons, K.P. (2006).  Body scan analysis of posture and body shape for improved pattern design for better fit in women’s apparel.  Alabama Agricultural Experimental Station.

Honors and Awards

• Departmental winner of College of Human Sciences Women’s Philanthropy Board Faculty Award (2008)
• Best Paper in the Design/Aesthetics Category for Research Papers presented at The International Textile and Apparel Association, Los Angeles, CA. (Nov. 2007)
• New Faculty Teaching Scholar Certificate of Achievement, Biggio Center (2005-6) – Auburn University Recognition
• Awarded National Textile Center Director’s Award for Excellence in Achieving Project Objectives in the 2nd year. Recognized with research team members for NTC project,  Apparel Product Development for the Plus-Sized Teen and Tween Market (2006)
• 2nd Place for Poster Presentation (Tween Boys), recognized with research team members at the National Textile Center Forum, Hilton Head Island, SC (2006)

Professional Affiliations

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