Professional Biography
Dr. Easter received her M.S. and Ph.D. in Textile Science from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. She teaches Textiles for Consumers and Research Methods. Her research in textile science is applied research focusing on protective clothing, laundry fundamentals, and quality evaluations of textile and apparel products. In 1988, Dr. Easter established the Textile Testing Laboratory. The laboratory has provided contractual fee-based services to more than fifty corporations and organizations for testing textiles during product development, evaluation of performance, and durability. A grant contract with the Association of Linen Management (ALM), the professional organization of facility and laundry managers of healthcare and hospitality laundries, has generated $1,019,855.00 over the past 36 years.
A significant accomplishment of the laboratory is that it employs both graduate and undergraduate students enabling students to obtain problem-solving skills and experience researching industry problems. The work experience in the Textile Lab enables students to obtain jobs when they graduate because they can show that they have had industry-related research experience.
Protective clothing is a significant focus of Dr. Easter’s research. She and her graduate students have worked with manufacturers to evaluate garments for firefighters and healthcare workers, including PPE for workers in labs, dental offices, and hospitals. Dr. Easter has received funding to support her research since 1988. In addition, she has published her research results along with her students. Dr. Easter is also a textile consultant and spends one day a week in the industry.
Awards & Distinctions
- McQuerry, M. & Easter, E. (2022). Wildland firefighting personal protective clothing cleaning practices in the United States. Fire Technology, 58(3), 1667-1688, DOI: 10.1007/s10694-021-01212-z (Impact 2.239) [Editor’s Choice Best Paper Award, Fire Technology Journal]
- Patricia Brantley Todd Awards of Excellence in Human Environmental Sciences – Research 1/2010.
- Gamma Sigma Delta George Mitchell Award for Outstanding Faculty Service to Graduate Students. 3/2009.
- Certificate of Appreciation, Midwest Section of the American Association of Textile Chemists & Colorists, 8/5/03.
Scholars@UK
Design of Protective Clothing
Easter, E. P., Jan 1 2024, Protective Clothing Systems and Materials. p. 25-38 14 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
An Evaluation of the Barrier and Durability Performance of Reusable Level 2 Isolation Gowns Over Their Promoted Service Life
Easter, E. & Dabbain, S., Jan 1 2024, In: AATCC Journal of Research. 11, 1, p. 58-70 13 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Wildland Firefighting Personal Protective Clothing Cleaning Practices in the United States
McQuerry, M. & Easter, E., May 2022, In: Fire Technology. 58, 3, p. 1667-1688 22 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Disposable versus reusable medical gowns: A performance comparison
McQuerry, M., Easter, E. & Cao, A., May 2021, In: American Journal of Infection Control. 49, 5, p. 563-570 8 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Durability and Aesthetic Properties of Kenaf/Cotton Blend Fabrics
Ramaswamy, G. N. & Easter, E. P., Nov 1997, In: Textile Research Journal. 67, 11, p. 803-808 6 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Price and perceived product quality: a comparison of denim jeans in three price categories
Ghaani Farashahi, B., Easter, E. & Annett-Hitchcock, K., Jun 25 2018, In: Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management. 22, 3, p. 369-386 18 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Effect of seams and closures on pesticide penetration through fabric
Dimit, C. A., Easter, E. P. & DeJonge, J. O., 1992, In: ASTM Special Technical Publication. 1133, p. 418-426 9 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Conference article › peer-review
A Post-use Evaluation of Turnout Gear Using NFPA 1971 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and NFPA 1851 on Selection, Care and Maintenance
McQuerry, M., Klausing, S., Cotterill, D. & Easter, E., Sep 1 2015, In: Fire Technology. 51, 5, p. 1149-1166 18 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Care practices for fluorocarbon treated garments: A case study
Easter, E. P. & Ankenman, B. E., Mar 2004, AATCC Review, 4, 3, p. 12-16 5 p.Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article
Pesticide protective clothing
Easter, E. P. & Nigg, H. N., 1992, In: Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 129, p. 1-16 16 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Evaluation of the effect of low water/low energy on clothes care
Easter, E. P. & Ankenman, B. E., 2006, International Conference and Exhibition of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, AATCC IC and E 2006. p. 223-239 17 p. (International Conference and Exhibition of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, AATCC IC and E 2006).Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution › peer-review
Protection afforded greenhouse pesticide applicators by coveralls: A field test
Nigg, H. N., Stamper, J. H., Easter, E. & DeJonge, J. O., Nov 1993, In: Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 25, 4, p. 529-533 5 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Nonwovens block pesticide penetration
Easter, E. P., 1990, In: Nonwovens World. 5, 6, p. 8-9 (2 pages).Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
A reproducible method for the extraction of pesticide residues from fabrics
Easter, E. P., Leonas, K. K. & DeJonge, J. O., Dec 1983, In: Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 31, 6, p. 738-744 7 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Effect of fabric characteristics on pesticide penetration through selected apparel fabrics
Leonas, K. K., Easter, E. P. & De Jonge, J. O., Aug 1989, In: Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 43, 2, p. 231-238 8 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
The efficacy of laundering Captan and Guthion® contaminated fabrics
Easter, E. P. & DeJonge, J. O., May 1985, In: Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 14, 3, p. 281-287 7 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
REMOVAL OF PESTICIDE RESIDUES FROM FABRICS BY LAUNDERING.
Easter, E., 1983, In: Textile Chemist and Colorist. 15, 3, p. 29-33 5 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Removal of pesticide residues from fabrics by laundering
Easter, E., 1983, In: [No source information available].Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Clothes care labels - Recommended temperatures for wash cycle
Cotterill, D. G., Kessinger, M. B. & Easter, E. P., 2009, American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists International Conference 2009. p. 121-127 7 p. (American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists International Conference 2009).Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution › peer-review
An analysis of the care and maintenance of performance textiles and effects of care on performance
Doty, K. C. & Easter, E., May 2009, AATCC Review, 9, 5, p. 37-42 6 p.Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article
Quality Control Laboratory For NAILM
Easter, E. (PI)
National Association of Institutional Linen Management
1/1/88 → 12/31/12
Project: Research project
University of Kentucky Research Study on Evaluating Used Firefighter's Gear to Determine Appropriate Retirement Age
Easter, E. (PI)
National Institute of Standards & Technology
7/1/10 → 10/31/11
Project: Research project
Product Development and Evaluation of TOUGH COTTON Technology
Easter, E. (PI)
1/1/20 → 12/31/20
Project: Research project
Quality Control Lab for NAILM
Easter, E. (PI)
Association for Linen Management
1/1/88 → 12/31/25
Project: Research project
Education
- Ph.D., Textile Science, University of Tennesseee, 1982
- M.S., Textiles & Clothing, University of Tennessee, 1973
- B.S., Vocational Home Economics Education, Morehead State University, 1971
Associated Departments