The CFPR Researcher Q&A with Becky Gooby

Becky joins CFPR in 2022 as a Research Associate in Methods for Colour Testing on Fabric primarily investigating the response of cellulose fabrics derived from wood pulp to digital textile printing processes.

Becky is in the final stages of completing a PhD exploring methodologies for digital colour printing in textile design at UWE as part of the 3D3 Centre for Doctoral Training where she used a Practice as Research methodology to test a range of variables that impact printed colour outcome and developed a number of methods to support designer’s digital colour knowledge enabling them to resolve colour issues in the design stages.

Describe yourself in three words

Determined, thoughtful and busy.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I wanted to be a musician and used to be a lead singer in a band.  I also wanted to be an artist. I get stage fright so headed down the arts route.

What are you particularly looking forward to in your work with CFPR?

I am looking forward to using some of the knowledge and skills I’ve developed during my PhD and becoming a ‘proper’ researcher. CFPR has grown and evolved since I started my studies in 2015 so I’m also looking forward to finding out about all the different projects and activities that are going on and more about the rest of the team.

When was the last time you changed your mind about something significant?

I always thought I’d be a rubbish mother and would hate it, but have discovered that not only am I not rubbish, I actually really enjoy being a parent and hanging out with my kids.

Is there an element of working in research that you enjoy most?

I love problem solving and thinking of ways of overcoming things. My head is full of a million ideas, like what would happen if I did this or I wonder how that would work. Luckily I’m a trained project manager so I hope that I am also able to be ordered in my thinking and focus my ideas so that I’m not jumping out about trying out too many things.

What future projects are you currently planning?

I am currently working on testing out Lyocell and Modal fabrics with digital textile printing. These fabrics are cellulose, derived from wood pulp and come with great eco credentials. I’m looking at different pre coating mixes to improve the colour yield when printing and trialling replication techniques, kind of like a trompe l’oeil effect, so that the fabric is printed to appear like it is a denim twill or a knitted surface.

What single thing would improve the quality of your life?

Really great, affordable and stable child-care and an electric bike which can cart around children. Excitingly I am about to take possession of the latter as I have converted a WorkCycles FR8 to electric so am hoping to be whizzing into Frenchay from June.