Jennifer Avila, left, and fellow honors student, Sydney Taylor, right, receiving awards at the Bumpers College awards and honors banquet.

Author: Jennifer Avila | Major: Apparel Merchandising and Product Development

Hello, my name is Jennifer Avila and I majored in Apparel Merchandising and Product Development within the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food, and Life Sciences. My mentor was Dr. Laurie Apple and my honors thesis revolved around consumers’ perception of women’s swimwear. This project began back in my fall semester here at the University of Arkansas when a large corporation was looking into some research. However, this corporation backed out of the project, but we continued with research.

In the society we live in with high consumerism, I wanted my research to make others think about the quality of their clothing versus the quantity in their closets. It is important to slow down consumerism, especially in the fashion industry to reduce our carbon footprint. Even though swimwear is worn by many for only part of the year, most people live near a coast or in a warmer climate. Society needs to look for garments that can be worn time and time again rather than consuming different trends that will go out of style by the end of the year and end up in landfills.

In the fall of 2021, Dr. Apple and I created a survey that participants would use to compare and rate their opinions of the quality of ladies’ swimwear. Three surveys contained the same questions, but each group knew different information about the swimsuits. One group knew the prices but not the brands, another group knew the brands but not the prices, and one group was not given either. My research questions were based on if price and/or brand affected the perception of quality for participants in the study. After surveying a large sum of participants at the end of the fall semester, I was able to analyze the statistical data during the spring 2022 semester. One important thing I learned over the past semester was not to give up. After losing a committee member last semester, I had to search for a new committee member and someone who could assist us with the reading of the statistical data. Some days were very challenging learning the statistical software programming in such a short period, but I kept pushing through since my thesis defense date was insight.

My honors mentor, Dr. Apple, and I have worked together for almost the past three years on this project. She helped me with applying for research grants, creating the surveys, and revising my paper. My other committee members, Dr. Lance Cheramie and Dr. Leigh Southward also helped me with revising my paper and giving me advice after my defense. As well as, allowing their students to participate in my study.

I have now graduated from the University of Arkansas. I am currently searching for a full-time job and considering grad school as well. Receiving this research grant enabled me to be able to purchase my swimsuits for my research. I am very thankful to have worked on time-management, organization, and communication skills during my time at the University of Arkansas and while working on my honors thesis project.