Textiles Extension Associate Director Honored with Exceptional Extension Award
Melissa Sharp Wins Outstanding Extension Award for Textile Innovation
Melissa Sharp, the associate director of the Zeis Textiles Extension (ZTE) at North Carolina State University (NC State), has been named a winner of this year's Outstanding Extension Award. This marks the third time Sharp has received this prestigious honour, having previously won in 2020 and 2013.
Sharp's work at NC State has been instrumental in fostering career development and advancing sustainable textile industry innovation. Over the course of a grant period, her program has supported more than 1,000 students across northern Honduras.
In North Carolina, Sharp's efforts are aimed at updating the curriculum at more than 100 high schools to develop the textile industry's next-generation workforce. Her collaborative approach has helped procure over $435,000 in industry funding to support these initiatives.
Sharp is currently helping to design a multi-year strategy for The Textile Innovation Engine, a non-profit organization that she also served as deputy CEO. Created with up to $160 million in grant funding, The Engine is focused on accelerating the nation's and North Carolina's capacity for advancing sustainable textile industry innovation.
One of Sharp's key projects at The Engine has been leading the research and development efforts, addressing key issues such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, and the circular economy. Her work has had a significant impact on companies and organizations across the textile industry.
The Textile Innovation Engine has also developed new tools to accelerate the speed at which research develops into real-life concepts. This includes the onboarding of six new research and development projects focused on sustainable textile innovation in North Carolina.
In addition, Sharp facilitated the creation of a new Hemp Consortium, aiming to build a robust supply chain for hemp fiber in North Carolina. This initiative is part of a broader collaboration with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, aimed at ensuring the textile industry will continue to grow and evolve over the coming decades.
Andre West, ZTE director, wrote a letter supporting Sharp's nomination for the Outstanding Extension Award, highlighting her contributions to textiles and sustainability. Sharp demonstrated an unwavering commitment to addressing real-world challenges, promoting economic development, and fostering sustainability through her work.
The recipients of the Outstanding Extension Award at NC State become nominees for induction into the Academy of Outstanding Faculty in Extension and Engagement. With her latest win, Sharp continues to make significant strides in the textile industry, particularly in the area of sustainable innovation and workforce development.
- Melissa Sharp's work at NC State has extended beyond just teaching, as she fosters career development and promotes sustainable textile industry innovation.
- In her role at The Textile Innovation Engine, Melissa Sharp is designing a multi-year strategy with a focus on accelerating sustainable textile industry innovation.
- The Textile Innovation Engine, under Sharp's leadership, has successfully onboarded six new research and development projects focused on sustainable textile innovation in North Carolina.
- Sharp's initiatives, such as the Hemp Consortium, aim to establish a robust supply chain for hemp fiber in North Carolina, contributing to the growth and evolution of the textile industry.
- With her third Outstanding Extension Award, Melissa Sharp continues to demonstrate her commitment to sustainability, economic development, and workforce development in the textile industry.
