David Hinks

David Hinks is Dean of the Wilson College of Textiles and Professor of Textile Chemistry at North Carolina State University. He leads over 145 employees, mentors hundreds of students, and manages over $10 million in research contracts with industry and government agencies. He holds the Cone Mills Distinguished Professorship and is a member of both the Academy of Outstanding Teachers and the Academy of Outstanding Faculty Engaged in Extension.

His educational background includes:

• B.Sc. (Honors) in Colour Chemistry, University of Leeds, 1989
• Ph.D. in Cationic Reactive Dyes for Cellulosic Fibres, University of Leeds, 1993

Dr. Hinks' research focuses on color science, forensic textile analysis, sustainable dyeing processes, and environmentally responsible dyestuff design. His work bridges chemistry, engineering, and forensics, with applications in both industry and criminal justice. He has developed novel methods for neutral pH cotton bleaching, forensic fiber databases, and ultra-deep dyeing technologies.

His recent publications reflect a strong trend toward forensic applications of textile chemistry, sustainability in dyeing processes, and advanced analytical techniques such as LC-TOF MS and microfluidics. These works demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration across chemistry, engineering, and computational science.

His scientific honors include:

• Member, NC State Academy of Outstanding Teachers
• Member, NC State Academy of Outstanding Faculty Engaged in Extension

Dr. Hinks has mentored dozens of graduate and undergraduate students, many of whom have won top awards including the AATCC Student Paper Competition, NSF Graduate Fellowships, and the Barry Goldwater Scholarship. Five of his former students are now professors internationally. He has secured substantial research funding from NSF, USAID, National Institute of Justice, Cotton, Inc., and Hanesbrands, supporting projects in forensic science education, sustainable textiles, and crime scene reconstruction.

He leads or contributes to key research initiatives including:

• Comparative Finished Fiber Analytical Database (COMFFAD)
• IC-CRIME: Interdisciplinary Cyber-Enabled Crime Reconstruction
• Development of non-genotoxic dyes and sustainable textile processing