Image: Statistics student Yiren Hou is a recipient of a CURO Research Assistantship for Fall 2021. This award includes a one-semester stipend of $1000 to conduct faculty-mentored research. Under the guidance of Dr. Abhyuday Mandal and Dr. Suraj Sharma (Department of Textiles, Merchandising & Interiors), Yiren will evaluate the optimal spinning process for the production of regenerated protein fiber from milk casein protein. To combat food waste, researchers have been searching for different ways to minimize the issue. A valuable protein from milk, casein, is extracted and applied to making protein fibers that would introduce a sustainable textile in the textile industry and reduce waste from the dairy industry. Based on preceding research, Yiren will conduct a design of experiment that involves testing the explanatory variables in the wet spinning process with different levels and tracking the properties of the produced fiber. The data will be analyzed to search for the most favorable solution in creating strong casein fiber since weak fiber causes rupture during processing and deforms yarn strength and uniformity after production. Yiren will present his research at the Spring 2022 CURO Symposium to be held in April. Type of News/Audience: Departmental
