Researcher’s Recognition Sparks Statewide Impact
By Emma Montgomery
A quaint office tucked away from the busyness of the Human Sciences building on Texas Tech University’s campus, adorned with diplomas, posters and framed black-and-white photos, hosts one of the institution’s top researchers – Kristi Gaines, Ph.D.
The windows softly backlight Gaines as she methodically flips though her accomplished curriculum vitae; a highlighted line on the document of achievements reads: 2020 – Chancellor’s Council Distinguished Research Award.
“To be nominated by my peers and colleagues for the system’s highest faculty honor, and then to win it, was a career-defining achievement,” Gaines said. “It felt pretty unbelievable and incredibly exciting.”
With more than two decades of professional and academic service, Gaines has dedicated her career to designing and creating inclusive and accessible resources for people of all abilities. A three-time Texas Tech graduate, she currently serves as the chair of the Department of Design in the College of Human Sciences and the Associate Dean for Student Affairs in the Graduate School.
Alongside those responsibilities, Gaines has continued her nationally recognized work
in design. Her projects have ranged from helping develop functional clothing for children
with sensory integrative differences to designing inclusive learning environments
for those with sensory sensitivities and developmental disorders.
Gaines attributed the Chancellor’s Council recognition as a large factor in giving her the opportunity to work on a new outdoor learning environment project that will benefit countless children in communities across Texas. Through a partnership with the Texas Department of State Health Services, Gaines has contributed to Outdoor Learning Environments (OLE!) Texas, which promotes healthy, nature-based outdoor spaces at early child care and education programs.
In addition to helping children on the autism spectrum, the spaces are used to improve child development and outdoor accessibility for all.
“Eight million children are in child care in Texas,” Gaines explained. “Thirty percent of children aged four to six are considered either overweight or obese in the state, so it’s also a health intervention. I’ve seen the benefits with my own eyes and see it from a research- and evidence-based standpoint.”
Gaines’ work also includes research in sensory-friendly clothing. Collaborating with Su-Jeong Hwang Shin, Ph.D., the two created a revolutionary garment to assist those with tactile sensitivities. Instead of a weighted vest, this jacket includes an adjustable pressure pump. The clothing does not model typical therapeutic attire, allowing it to be more discreet for wearers.
Results of the study led to the development of sensory clothing products for those with autism spectrum disorder. Furthermore, the work Gaines collaborated on provides evidence-based therapeutic clothing design for individuals who may struggle with everyday challenges posed by the characteristics of autism.
The accolade also has helped Gaines expand her research footprint and improve lives across the country and world through delivering keynote addresses and publishing book chapters. Since receiving the Distinguished Research Award, Gaines has been promoted to full professor in the College of Human Sciences, where she teaches graduate and undergraduate students and assists with professional development programs for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars while they start their careers.
“I love our college,” Gaines said with a beaming smile. “We focus on human-centered research and impact and recognize the importance of improving and enhancing the human condition. Through my role at the graduate school, I'm able to engage with students and mentor them as they undertake the next phase of thier educational journey.”
Gaines said she feels fortunate to have accomplished and caring leaders who value her research and provide guidance as she navigates her two roles.
“I work for two amazing and supportive deans: Tim Dodd in Human Sciences and Mark Sheridan in the Graduate School,” she said. “We have a great sense of camaraderie. Everyone is so supportive of each other; it’s a really great place to be.”
“Dr. Gaines has a passion for her students and her profession,” Dodd said. “She is fully committed to her students, faculty and department. This shows in the success of the Department of Design and her research collaborations and accomplishments. She exemplifies the best of our faculty from the College of Human Sciences and I’m very proud to have her as part of our leadership team.”
Gaines said she is immensely thankful to the Chancellor’s Council for its acknowledgement of her work and research.
“I felt honored to even be mentioned in the same breath as the other esteemed faculty,” she said. “The support from the Chancellor’s Council members has opened an unimaginable number of doors for me and other award recipients. I’m extremely grateful to be recognized as a part of this exclusive group.”