TOLLAND, CT, Dec 23, 2016 – Gerber Technology, the world leader in integrated software and automation solutions for the apparel and industrial markets, names Helen Koo, assistant professor, Department of Design at University of California, Davis, as the recipient of Gerber Technology’s FashionTech Professional Award.
The award was presented to Dr. Koo at the 2016 ITAA Conference; she was selected because of the creative and practical projects designed by her students yielding breakthrough innovations in wearable technology. Additionally, she is recognized for founding the Fashion Design and Technology Lab at the University of California, Davis and has focused her research on clothing designed to help those with special needs and physical limitations such as mobility and vision as well as developing clothing to help manage chronic diseases.
“We are honored to recognize Dr. Koo and support her with Gerber Technology products to further her cause of enabling research directed at solving quality-of-life issues,” said Elizabeth King, vice president, digital solutions community and ecosystem at Gerber Technology. “Her work, inspiring the future generation of FashionTech designers aiding those with disabilities, is an admirable use of technology in the fashion industry.”
About Helen Koo
Dr. Helen Koo is an assistant professor of Design and a founder of the Fashion Design and Technology Lab (FT Lab) at the University of California, Davis. Her research and creative activity interests include apparel design and product development, wearable technology, functional garments and sustainable designs. She has conducted multidisciplinary funded research projects on developing functional gear for sports, protective products and clothing for extreme environments, and smart clothing with sensors for healthcare. Her recent works focus on developing wearable technology for people with chronic diseases and disabilities.
About the FashionTech Professional Award
Gerber’s FashionTech Professional Award is a contest for FashionTech instructors, faculty and professionals from colleges and universities that are members of ITAA. This year, the contestants submitted an essay describing how they and their school utilized advancements in technology to inspire students over the last 18 months and the resulting student project(s).
The recipient of the award receives a subscription of Gerber software and training valued at $20,000 and includes industry-leading products such as AccuMark® and YuniquePLM® as well as training through Gerber University. The ITAA 2016 Conference marks the first year Gerber has given the award.
About Gerber Technology
Gerber Technology delivers industry-leading software and automation solutions that help apparel and industrial customers improve their manufacturing and design processes and more effectively manage and connect the supply chain, from product development and production to retail and the end customer. Gerber serves 78,000 customers in 130 countries, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies in apparel & accessories, home and leisure, transportation, packaging and sign & graphics. The company develops and manufactures its products from various locations in the United States and Canada and has additional manufacturing capabilities in China.
Based in Connecticut in the USA, Gerber Technology is owned by AIP, a New York based, global private equity firm specializing in the technology sector and has more than $3.0 billion assets under management.