Research Team
Current Members
Dr. Zahra Saki
Dr. Zahra Saki is the leader of the TAI group and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management at NC State University’s Wilson College of Textiles. She brings over 12 years of global industry experience, including eight years in supply chain management. Before joining NC State in July 2024, she was a Product Owner/Manager at Trane Technologies, where she led the development of a mobile app for smart thermostats, sharpening her leadership and design thinking skills.
Her research focuses on the economic advantages of the U.S. textile industry, with work in trade economics, statistical modeling, and hyper-personalized apparel recommendation systems. Dr. Saki is also deeply committed to teaching and mentoring, aiming to bridge the gap between industry and academia through active, engaged learning.
She holds a Ph.D. in Textile Technology Management and an M.S. in Statistics from NC State, along with an MBA and degrees in Textile Engineering from Iran. Her multidisciplinary background informs both her research and teaching.
To see her full bio and publications, visit https://textiles.ncsu.edu/people/zsaki/
Keysi Barrios
Keysi Barrios is originally from Panama, in Central America, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Textile Technology Management at North Carolina State University. She previously earned a Master of Science in Textiles from NC State and a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design and Garment Making from the Universidad de Panamá.
Keysi chose to join the TAI research group because it aligns closely with her research interests, which include country competitiveness in the textile and apparel industry, nearshoring, and manufacturing. Through her work, she aims to explore strategies that enhance the global positioning and sustainability of apparel supply chains.
With a strong foundation in both design and technical textiles, Keysi brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to her research and is passionate about contributing to innovative solutions within the global textile and apparel sector.
Ehsan Faghih
Ehsan Faghih is a Ph.D. student in the Textile Technology Management program at North Carolina State University, where he brings a strong background in Computer Engineering to his interdisciplinary research. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Computer Engineering before shifting his academic focus to the textile and apparel field, with a particular interest in textile recycling and real-world applications of advanced technologies.
Ehsan joined the TAI research group to pursue his passion for applying deep learning and artificial intelligence to industrial challenges. The group’s focus on practical, impact-driven research closely aligns with his goal of using technical expertise to address sustainability and innovation in the textile sector. He also credits the supportive and inspiring environment created by his advisor as a key factor in his decision to join the group and embrace a new research direction.
With a strong belief in the power of interdisciplinary learning and real-world impact, Ehsan continues to explore how emerging technologies can transform the textile industry and promote more sustainable practices. You can learn more about his work and projects at Ehsan Faghih – Personal Page
Jasmine Cox‑Wade
Jasmine Cox‑Wade is the Executive Director of the Textile Technology Center at Gaston College, where she helps lead applied research, industry partnerships, and workforce development initiatives. She also serves as Chair of the Textile Technology Degree Program, guiding curriculum design and instructional delivery aligned with emerging industry needs.
With over a decade of experience, Jasmine works at the intersection of textile testing, R&D, process optimization, and workforce training to translate innovation into scalable, industry‑ready solutions for manufacturers and regional ecosystems.
Jasmine is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Textile Technology Management at North Carolina State University, with research focused on regenerated cellulose fibers derived from post-industrial and post-consumer textile waste for military applications. She holds a Master of Science in Textiles and a Bachelor of Science in Textile Technology with a concentration in Supply Chain Management from NC State University.
She holds national leadership roles with the NSF North Carolina Textile Innovation Engine, the Advanced Textiles Association, and the Southern Textile Association.
Alumni
