About

The Ormond Research Group, under the direction of Dr. R. Bryan Ormond, operates in the Textile Protection and Comfort Center at the Wilson College of Textiles. Our research focuses on developing test methods, standards, equipment, and ensembles for first responders and military personnel to address protection from chemical, particulate, and thermal hazards.

Our current research has centered on reducing firefighter exposure to toxic chemicals through developing and commercializing particulate-blocking PPE, assessing enhanced cleaning methods for firefighter turnout gear, evaluating on-scene decontamination methods, investigating trade-offs in exposure and performance with PFAS and non-PFAS finishes and materials, and assessing performance of respiratory protection for wildland firefighters. We aim to make connections between assessments made in the laboratory and in the field by working in collaboration with firefighters across the state, the country, and the world.