Mahendran Balasubramanian, Ph.D.
Email: mbalasub@ttu.edu
Phone: (806) 742-3050
Office: H 201C
Dr. Mahendran Balasubramanian joined the TTU as a faculty member in the Department of Design in the spring of 2022. Previously, he served as an Assistant Professor at the University of Arkansas. He holds a doctorate in the field of apparel sciences from Oklahoma State University. He completed his master's degree in the same field at Auburn University. Before arriving in the United States, he completed his bachelor's degree in fashion technology from Anna University in India.
Dr.Balasubramanian's research amalgamates technology and clothing systems to address the human-centric needs of the users. Using 3D topographic imaging, a.k.a. 3D body scanning technology, he develops braces for idiosyncratic scoliosis patients. Likewise, he uses this 3D technology to develop lightweight ballistic protection armor plates for officers-in-uniform. In a similar aphorism, he integrates sensor systems with functional clothing to measure and monitor the electrophysiology of humans during various activities. Wearable and continuous health monitoring systems are crucial for rapid response teams and other first responders who are exposed to varying levels of hazardous scenarios, especially with their encumbered clothing systems. Dr.Balasubramanian's work studies the vitals of such humans operating under strenuous task conditions to determine their physical and cognitive burden.
His contributions to academia include more than 20 publications and presentations. He is actively pursuing multiple patents for his innovations on wearable health support systems. He has secured several awards in his academic career. The ASTM International scholarship award for the year 2014 is a notable recognition. He was the first to secure this award in the field of Textiles and clothing over the past few decades. His research work has been internationally recognized and secured several grants. He is a member of several professional organizations including ITAA, AATCC, and ASTM International.
Selected Publications
McDermott, B., Atkins, W., Kato, I., Vandermark,L., and Balasubramanian, M. (2021), Men's Lacrosse Protective Equipment Increases Strain During Exercise in the Heat, Journal of Science & Medicine in Sport, 24(8), 837-842
Balasubramanian, M., and Robinette, K. (2020), Longitudinal anthropometric changes of pregnant women: dynamics and prediction. International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education, 1-7.
Periyaswamy, T., and Balasubramanian, M. (2019). Ambulatory cardiac bio-signals: From mirage to clinical reality through a decade of progress. International journal of medical informatics, 130, 103928-103928.
Ruppert-Stroescu, M., and Balasubramanian, M. (2018). Effects of stitch classes on the electrical properties of conductive threads. Textile Research Journal, 88(21), 2454-2463.
Hebert, P. R. and Balasubramanian, M. (2017). Tracking Light Pollution: A Longitudinal Study Utilizing Two Methods. Journal of Environment Protection and Sustainable Development, 3(1), 1-7.
Recent Conference Proceedings
Cheramie, L.M. and Balasubramanian, M. (2021). Responsive and Efficient Retail Supply Chain Management Simulations. International Textile and Apparel Association Conference (Virtual)
Balasubramanian, M., Bouvier,L., and Apple,L (2020), Eye-Tracking of Users Assessing 2D and 3D Apparel Fit, International Textile and Apparel Association Conference (Virtual)
Derafshi, M., and Balasubramanian, M. (2020), Biomechanical Assessment of Police Duty Gear on Low Back Muscles, International Textile and Apparel Association Conference (Virtual)
Cheramie, L., and Balasubramanian, M. (2020), Sustainability Efforts of Apparel Industries: A Closer Look, International Textile and Apparel Association Conference (Virtual)
Balasubramanian, M., and Apple, L., (2019), Body Armor Design for Men-in-Uniform considering 3D Torso Anthropometrics, International Textile and Apparel Association Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada.
Patent Application
Balasubramanian, M. et al. (2022), Dynamic Leash, U.S. Patent filed in June 2022, (Provisional Patent)
Department of Design
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