Meredith McQuerry, the Carol E. Avery Associate Professor at Florida State University’s Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, has been recognized as part of the Influential Women 2025 series for her work in the textiles industry.
McQuerry directs the ThermaNOLE Comfort Lab and textile testing laboratory at the college, where she has focused on textile performance and clothing physiology. Her research has contributed to the development of personal protective equipment (PPE) used by first responders, military personnel, athletes, and industrial workers.
Influential Women is a platform designed to connect women from diverse backgrounds, allowing them to share perspectives and create content that empowers themselves and others. The initiative highlights voices that aim to inspire change through storytelling and thought leadership.
“It’s an incredible honor to be included in this year’s Influential Women series,” McQuerry said. “This recognition reflects the thousands of women in the fire service who have supported the work that we do here at Florida State University to improve the design, fit and performance of women’s firefighting PPE. I hope this recognition continues to bring light to the needs of women in many underserved areas.”
“This recognition reflects the thousands of women in the fire service who have supported the work that we do here at Florida State University to improve the design, fit and performance of women’s firefighting PPE.” – Meredith McQuerry, Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship
McQuerry has secured nearly $4 million in funding from federal and private sources for her research. This includes $2 million from FEMA dedicated to improving female firefighting PPE and establishing a comprehensive anthropometric database for U.S. female firefighters. She has also collaborated with agencies such as the U.S. Department of Defense and National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) on projects aimed at enhancing protective clothing standards.
In response to recent increases in wildfires across California and other regions, McQuerry led a five-year multi-state research project titled “Protective Clothing for Wildland Firefighters.” The project offered recommendations to NFPA on better cleaning methods and improved protection for wildland firefighter PPE.
“We are immensely proud of Dr. McQuerry’s recognition as one of this year’s Influential Women,” said Susan Fiorito, dean of the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship. “Her leadership and research exemplify the college’s commitment to innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration and work that improves lives on a global scale.”
The ThermaNOLE Comfort Lab under McQuerry’s direction features unique facilities, including ANDI—the only dynamic sweating thermal manikin at a public institution worldwide—housed within a large environmental chamber. ANDI is capable of measuring both heat loss and heat gain through clothing.
Since joining FSU in 2016, McQuerry has received several honors such as the International Textile and Apparel Associate Rutherford Teaching Challenge Award, FSU Undergraduate Research Mentor Award (2018), and American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists Future Leaders award (2019).
The Jim Moran College ranks third nationally among public institutions according to Niche, distinguishing itself with diverse entrepreneurial programs, interdisciplinary studies, advanced laboratories, and signature events.
For more information about the college, visit jimmorancollege.fsu.edu.
