Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 days ago
University of Kentucky alums Andrea Boylin and Tricia Hock are using their Martin-Gatton CAFE Merchandising, Apparel and Textiles education to help protect firefighters through turnout gear, product testing and LION’s TotalCare® services.
Their work connects classroom learning, hands-on research and industry partnership through the UK Textiles Testing Lab, where students gain real-world experience solving problems that improve safety for first responders in Kentucky and beyond.
Read the full story by Christopher Carney:
https://news.mgcafe.uky.edu/article/uk-alums-lion-lead-turnout-gear-and-totalcare-efforts-firefighters-kentucky-and-beyond
Writer: Christopher Carney, Christopher.Carney@uky.edu
Contact: Christopher Carney, Christopher.Carney@uky.edu
Media Requests: C.E. Huffman, ce.huffman@uky.edu
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The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment serves the people of Kentucky and the world, through unparalleled teaching, transformative research and relevant service to farms, families and communities. The college proudly continues to build upon its land grant tradition with a strong commitment to improve lives and to build a sustainable future. Learn more: ca.uky.edu
Apply and start your future in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment: students.ca.uky.edu/future-students
The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service provides practical education you can trust to help people, businesses, and communities solve problems, develop skills, and build a better future. Find an office near you: extension.ca.uky.edu
Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Reasonable accommodation of disability may be available with prior notice. Program information may be made available in languages other than English. University of Kentucky, Kentucky State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Kentucky Counties, Cooperating.
University of Kentucky alums Andrea Boylin and Tricia Hock are using their Martin-Gatton CAFE Merchandising, Apparel and Textiles education to help protect firefighters through turnout gear, product testing and LION’s TotalCare® services.
Their work connects classroom learning, hands-on research and industry partnership through the UK Textiles Testing Lab, where students gain real-world experience solving problems that improve safety for first responders in Kentucky and beyond.
Read the full story by Christopher Carney:
https://news.mgcafe.uky.edu/article/uk-alums-lion-lead-turnout-gear-and-totalcare-efforts-firefighters-kentucky-and-beyond
Writer: Christopher Carney, Christopher.Carney@uky.edu
Contact: Christopher Carney, Christopher.Carney@uky.edu
Media Requests: C.E. Huffman, ce.huffman@uky.edu
-----
The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment serves the people of Kentucky and the world, through unparalleled teaching, transformative research and relevant service to farms, families and communities. The college proudly continues to build upon its land grant tradition with a strong commitment to improve lives and to build a sustainable future. Learn more: ca.uky.edu
Apply and start your future in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment: students.ca.uky.edu/future-students
The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service provides practical education you can trust to help people, businesses, and communities solve problems, develop skills, and build a better future. Find an office near you: extension.ca.uky.edu
Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Reasonable accommodation of disability may be available with prior notice. Program information may be made available in languages other than English. University of Kentucky, Kentucky State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Kentucky Counties, Cooperating.
