Education
- PhD in Textile Technology Management, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
MSc in Textile and Apparel Technology, The University of Texas at Austin
BA in Fashion Management (conc. Design), University of The Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX
Teaching and Research Interest(s)
Dr. Nicole Villarreal is a designer, researcher, and costume historian whose work sits at the intersection of textile history, material practice, and emerging digital technologies. Her research focuses on the preservation and reinterpretation of historic costume, including the use of 3D apparel simulation to digitize significant garments.
Professional Affiliation(s)
CSA - Costume Society of America
ICOM - International Council of Museums
Publication(s) and/or Exhibition(s)
- Making Together After Helene: Quilting for Community Recovery in Post-Hurricane Appalachia. Tellez, A., Arteaga-Arredondo. I., Villarreal, N. 49th Annual Appalachian Studies Association Conference, 2026.
- From Scarcity to Preservation: The ‘curtain dress’ as recycled icon. 52nd Annual National Symposium of the Costume Society of America, 2026.
- Desert Ink. Transformations: App DigiFab. Exhibition at the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts in Boone, NC. Nov 2022-May 2023.
Something Fun
When I'm not teaching or doing research, you can find me exploring Boone and surroundings.
Additional Work Samples
Title: Assistant Professor of Apparel Design & Merchandising , Interim Director of Apparel Design & Merchandising
Department: Department of Applied Design
Email address: Email me
Phone: (828) 262-3429