Karen K. Leonas
Department Chair and Professor
Research Interests
- Fabrics as barriers to particle penetration and liquid strike-through specifically microorganism transmission through surgical gowns, drapes and facemasks. This work is based on the physical and chemical properties of textile assemblies and characteristics of the challenging agent. Research in this area has evaluated protective clothing used in medical applications and focuses on the mechanism of transmission.
- Development and application of antimicrobial chemicals to textiles, carpets and related materials (plastics, polymers...); growth of microorganisms in carpets and their dermal transfer to human hands.
- Use of Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy to study the transmission mechanism of small particles through fabrics and other materials
Teaching Interests
- I enjoy interacting with students in and out of the classroom and have taught courses at the graduate and undergraduate level. I strongly support and have directed programs outside the University setting as these experiences outside the university setting are critical as we enter the 21st century. Supporting and providing these opportunities are important in preparing our students for a global workplace and society.
- Specific areas in which I teach include:
- Textiles
- Product Development
- Dyeing and Finishing
Recent Accomplishments
- Shen, Hongqing, and Leonas, Karen K., “Study of Layering Order on Filtration Ability of Surgical Face Masks”, Journal of Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management, Volume 5, Issue 3, 2006.
- Shen, Hongqing and Leonas, Karen K., "Study of Repellent Finish on Filtration Ability of Surgical Face Masks", International Nonwovens Journal, Volume 14, No. 4, 2006 pp 17-26.
- Leonas, K.K. "Microorganism Protection", in Textiles for Protection, Editor Scott, R.A., Woodhead Publishing Limited, Cambridge, UK, 2005.
- Johnson, L., Carswell, A., Palmer, L., Sweaney, A., Mullis, R., Leonas, K., Moss, J., Mauldin, T. "An Intervention Model to Alleviate Family Poverty", Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences, Volume 97, No. 4, 2005, pp 73-76.
Educational Background
- Ph.D., Textile Chemistry/Textile Physics, University of Tennessee
- M.S., Clothing and Textiles, University of Tennessee
- B.S., Textile Chemistry, North Carolina State University
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Department of AMDT
Washington State University
51 Kruegel Hall
Pullman, WA 99164-2020
(509) 335-6766
kleonas@wsu.edu