Helen Trejo

Helen Trejo is an associate professor in the Department of Apparel Merchandising & Management. She teaches textile science, apparel construction, and research courses. Her research explores the intersections of fibers, fashion, agriculture, and technology to support a local clothing and textiles economy. She has surveyed and interviewed several U.S. farmers, mill owners, designers, and entrepreneurs who are part of a farm-to-fashion value chain for sustainable fashion. Her research includes assessing U.S. farmworkers' access to personal protective equipment (PPE) that impacts health disparities, disability risks, and the role of design.

Her education action research involves collaboration with Apparel and Engineering faculty to implement high impact practices to expand U.S. natural fiber and sustainable development research experiences to undergraduates through Course Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) and Authentic Learning Experiences (ALEs). She has also led department projects to stimulate student-centered culturally relevant approaches, and inclusive use of technology to enhance engagement and reduce equity gaps.

She is currently leading an interdisciplinary faculty apparel and engineering team to address sustainability issues in the apparel and textile industry with students.

US Regional Editor Bloomsbury Fashion Cases, 2024 - Present

Textile Society of America, Symposium Proceedings Editor, 2024-2025

Website: https://helenxtrejo.com/