Research Team

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.

Qazal Ashrafi

Qazal is originally from Iran and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Textile Technology Management at the Wilson College of Textiles at North Carolina State University. Her research integrates trade economics, quantitative modeling, and policy analysis to better understand global dynamics in the textile and apparel industry. Prior to her doctoral studies, she earned both her master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Textile Engineering, which helped shape her interdisciplinary approach to analyzing global apparel markets.

Qazal joined the TAI research group to deepen her understanding of global trade dynamics in the textile and apparel industry. The group’s focus on data-driven insights and applied policy research aligns closely with her passion for developing sustainable and competitive strategies in global textile trade.

Currently based in North Carolina, Qazal is also passionate about exploring cross-cultural perspectives, mentoring students, and contributing to sustainability-focused textile initiatives. Her goal is to bridge academic research with practical, real-world solutions that foster equitable and resilient global supply chains.

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

Garrett Hattman

Garrett is originally from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Textiles at North Carolina State University. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Fashion and Textile Management from the Wilson College of Textiles, and is excited to be
returning to NC State to pursue her Master’s degree.

Prior to her graduate studies, Garrett worked as a supply chain and operations professional for a fiber development company. In her previous role, she developed the company’s international supply chain, working alongside scientists, engineers, and supply partners to help scale the adoption of the company’s technology. She also led a variety of regulatory and supply chain projects, adapting operations to the changing needs of the company and external influences.

With a strong operational background working for textile innovation companies, she is eager to deepen her knowledge through her research with TAI and lend her industry experience to the group.