Innovation in Men Who Quilt Research with Dr. Erin French: Ep. 49 | iNNOVATION Insights Podcast
In this episode of iNNOVATION Insights, host Dr. Eulanda Sanders welcomes Dr. Erin French, an educator, instructional designer, and historian dedicated to advancing quality education globally. Dr. French shares her fascinating journey from a love for history and art to becoming a quilt-making expert. She discusses her research on men who make quilts, exploring their motivations and the societal stigmas they face. The conversation also highlights the importance of global citizenship, the value of incorporating historical context into innovation, and actionable steps to support diverse participation in the textile arts.
Tune in for an inspiring look at the unexpected intersections between material culture, gender, and education.
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Dr. Erin French
Instructional Designer | Educational Developer | Online Instructor
Dr. Erin French is an educator, instructional designer, and historian. She holds a B. A. in History and Art from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. Studying abroad in the United Kingdom inspired her to pursue a master’s degree abroad, and at the University of Glasgow in Scotland, she earned an M.Phil. in Decorative Arts and Design History. This degree combined historical and object-based research with professional training for employment in museums, stately homes, and auction houses, and her thesis examined the architectural transformation and modernization of Glasgow’s Pollok House, an 18th-century stately home. Following her studies, French worked at the Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life and the North Lanarkshire Council Archives and Records Management Service.
After five years in Scotland, French returned to the United States in 2006 to embark upon a career in international education at Iowa State University (ISU). First as the International Programs Coordinator in the College of Design, and later as the Director of International Programs in the College of Human Sciences, she collaborated with faculty members and international partners to create quality learning experiences abroad. On campus, French created the Global Human Sciences Minor, a groundbreaking program that united multiple disciplines in the Human Sciences, cross-cultural and international perspectives, and leadership development. The most meaningful contribution of her 17 years at ISU was preparing over 1,500 students to study abroad on programs that benefitted them personally, academ… Read More