Jefferson Alumna Christina Rapa to Bring Industry Insights to School of Design and Engineering Graduate Forum

When textile engineering alumna Christina Rapa returns to Jefferson this fall as the keynote speaker for the School of Design and Engineering Graduate Forum, it won’t be her first time back on campus. In fact, she jokes she’s never really left.

“I live just 15 minutes away and have stayed connected over the years—whether serving on the University’s Advancement Council, guest lecturing or even teaching Textiles 101 here in 2010,” Rapa says. “It’s special to come back and see how much the program has evolved while still feeling that same sense of community.”

Now a textile engineer at W.L. Gore and Associates—best known for its GORE-TEX fabrics—Rapa leads digital transformation initiatives, helping shape the future of textile innovation. Her upcoming keynote, “From Ideas to Impact: Turning Tradition Into Transformation,” will focus on how young professionals can bring new ideas into established organizations and inspire meaningful change.

You’ve maintained a strong connection to Jefferson since graduating. How did your time here set you up for the career you have today?
I grew up in Australia, where my high school offered a Textiles and Design class. I loved it because it combined creativity and science. One of my teachers told my parents I was better at the science side than the design side, which was a lightbulb moment for me.

I applied to the Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science (now Jefferson) on a whim and got accepted. I ended up loving it. The classes were so hands-on, and the experiences gave me a strong foundation in materials science and showed me how creativity and engineering work together. That combination has guided my entire career.

Were there professors or experiences that especially influenced your path?
Absolutely. Professors like Janet Brady were instrumental. I worked in the Grundy and Bruner Labs, testing textiles for brands seeking to understand their fabrics’ performance. That real-world experience was invaluable.

Janet was also active in the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC), which connects academia and industry. She encouraged me to get involved, and I’ve stayed with AATCC ever since. Now, I’m serving as president for the 2025-26 term.

Tell us about your current role at Gore. What does your work in digital transformation involve?
I’m part of Gore’s digital fabrics team, focusing on how we use software and data to drive innovation. My work includes 3D material digitization, supply chain transparency and building the systems our research and development teams use to develop new products.

Essentially, we’re moving from document-based specifications to a fully digital, globally aligned database. It allows us to develop new products faster and share data with customers more efficiently—something that’s becoming increasingly important with new sustainability and transparency regulations, especially in Europe.

It’s challenging but exciting to help modernize processes that impact how textiles are developed and experienced.

What are your goals as AATCC president?
AATCC plays a major role in our industry. It develops the test standards that every major apparel and textile brand uses, from colorfastness and shrinkage to UV protection.

One of my biggest goals is brand recognition and membership growth, starting at the university level. Jefferson is the pilot site for a new global training certification program that teaches students AATCC methods in class. When they demonstrate proficiency, they earn a micro-certification to add to their résumé.

It gives students the advantage of entering the workforce already familiar with the scientific testing that backs up product claims. We’ve already had interest from other universities, and I’m proud Jefferson is leading the way on this initiative.

Your keynote focuses on turning ideas into action within traditional companies. What will you share with students at the forum?
I’ll talk about how to introduce new ideas and get them adopted, especially when you’re the newest person in the room. At Gore, we have a culture that values innovation but also uses structured project practices and consensus building.

It’s not just about having a great idea; it’s about learning how to communicate it effectively, gain support and show its value. That’s what helps move ideas from concept to impact.

What advice do you have for students hoping to make their mark in industries that can be slow to change?
Networking is key, both inside and outside your organization. When you start a new role, take the time to meet people in other departments, set up one-on-one conversations and learn about their work. That’s how you understand the bigger picture and identify where your ideas can make a difference. And always think about your next steps—how you can grow, learn and take on new challenges.

What do you hope students, faculty and alumni take away from your talk?
I hope they see that change is possible even in the most established companies. It just takes persistence, collaboration and the ability to communicate your vision.

I’ve been in this industry for nearly 25 years. What keeps me going is that intersection of tradition and transformation—taking something that’s worked for decades and finding new ways to improve it. That’s what innovation is all about.

Open to the entire Jefferson community, the School of Design and Engineering Graduate Forum takes place Nov. 3 from 4:30-8 p.m. in the Kanbar Performance Space. Register here.