Meredith Laine McQuerry
Dr. Meredith McQuerry is the Carol E. Avery Associate Professor at Florida State University in the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, where she directs both the ThermaNOLE Comfort Lab® and Textile Testing Laboratory. Her research centers on textile performance and clothing comfort physiology, particularly for first responders, athletes, and industrial workers. With over a decade of experience in structural firefighting PPE research, she has collaborated extensively with agencies like DOD and FEMA to improve protective clothing through rigorous fabric, manikin, and human wear testing.
Dr. McQuerry holds a Ph.D. in Textile Technology Management from North Carolina State University and a Master of Science in Merchandising, Apparel, and Textiles from the University of Kentucky. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including the ITAA Mid-Career Excellence Award and the University of Kentucky’s Horizon Award for Early Career Achievement. A committed educator and researcher, she is passionate about enhancing the safety, functionality, and comfort in protective apparel while mentoring the next generation of textile and apparel innovators.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
• University of Kentucky- B.S.
• University of Kentucky- M.S.
• North Carolina State University- Ph.D.
• ASTM
• AATCC
• NFPA
• ITAA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my incredible mentor, Dr. Elizabeth Easter, whose unwavering belief in me and guidance helped shape the person and professional I am today—she saw my full potential long before I did.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is: “Tell me who and what you ARE, not what you are not.” It is so important, especially as women in more male-dominated fields, to believe in ourselves and the value we bring to the table, not to look around and compare our shortcomings. Instead, use your differences to your advantage. What sets you apart?
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the textile and apparel industry is to pursue it with passion—get involved in any and all organizations that you can, and don't be afraid to take on leadership roles. Say "yes" as often as you can, even when scared. You never know where those "yeses" will take you! Do it scared!
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in our industry currently is the need for faster research related to PFAS and the removal of fluorinated chemicals in textile finishing. For some performance properties, like oil repellency, safer substitutes do not currently exist. Huge opportunities exist in functional finishing research and development.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I'm a firm believer that you can outwork any challenge you face. There's not much that a determined mindset and an exceptional work ethic can't achieve.