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When Janna Ehrenholz was looking to make a career change, she recalled a field trip she had taken to the U of A’s Human Ecology department eight years prior while studying apparel technology at Olds College. In particular, she remembered the Anne Lambert Clothing and Textiles Collection. Without a specific career path in mind, she made the decision to apply to the Clothing, Textiles & Material Culture program because she knew it would offer the broadest options. 

Like many of the historical garments she would go on to study, it was a good fit. 

A consistent thread in her studies was her focus on sustainable fashion. Working with , one of her instructors, and other colleagues in the program, Janna launched the to reduce waste and extend the lifespan of clothes.  

For three years, she held the role of project coordinator, noting that while the experience was good for her CV, it was the intangibles that proved to be even more valuable. 

“More than anything, I have loved creating a welcoming space on campus and seeing participants proudly learn how to mend their own clothes,” she says. 

The culmination of her experiences has led to a focus on curatorial studies — a field where she intends to establish her career post-graduation.

Congratulations Janna!

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What program are you graduating from?

Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology, Major in Clothing, Textiles & Material Culture.

What led you to choose your current area of study, and why the U of A for your studies?

In 2013, I graduated from the Fashion Apparel Technology Program at Olds College. While in that program, my class took a field trip to the Department of Human Ecology at the U of A. For eight years, I had a career in an unrelated field. When I decided to make a career change, I remembered the human ecology program. The U of A is one of the only universities in Canada that has a human ecology department that offers a degree in clothing, textiles and material culture. Edmonton is also home for me, so it was an easy choice. Honestly, I didn't know what I wanted to get from the program, other than a degree and a few more years to make a decision about what to do next. But I'm so glad that I chose this path! 

What is one of your favourite memories from your time at the U of A?

Only one?! Well, to be a complete nerd, I would have to say that I really enjoyed some of the papers that I wrote during my degree. I have a memory of arriving on campus early enough that hardly anyone else was there yet, getting a coffee from the Daily Grind, and setting myself up in SUB to work on a paper for (Fashion History: Interpretations & Exhibition) where I was researching a [Ivory Floral-printed Bias-cut Evening Dress] from the 1930s that is part of the Anne Lambert Clothing and Textiles Collection. I loved the close analysis of that garment, as well as looking into the cultural context of the time. My professor, , liked my paper and encouraged me to submit it to the from the Canadian Home Economics Foundation. I ended up winning the award in the undergraduate category and now my paper is going to be published in the Home Economics Institute of Australia Journal!

Tell us about your favourite professor and/or class.

Prior to starting my program, I did not think that I liked science. So it was quite a shock when some of my favourite classes ended up being textile science courses taught by . I loved getting my hands on textiles and fibres, using the different testing equipment in the lab, and doing experiments with dyes and other chemicals.

I remember one day when a dyeing experiment didn't turn out the way it should have. When she saw our unevenly-coloured bit of fabric, her response was, "Oh, that's so interesting! What did you do to make it do that?" Her approach to teaching always encourages curiosity, rather than just striving to get it ‘right’. Later, I asked her to supervise an independent study () that I wanted to conduct on processing stinging nettle fibre for textile use. We spent the summer in the lab trying different things and testing the resulting fibres. She supported me in presenting my findings through two different poster presentations and has encouraged me to submit an article to a scholarly journal, which I am still working on.

Did you take on any leadership roles while you were a student?

At the beginning of my second year, and I started the . For the past three years, I have held the role of project coordinator, which has included administrative tasks, volunteer recruitment and social media marketing. The project allowed me to combine my program planning knowledge from my previous career with my skills in clothing repair and my interest in sustainable fashion. It also added several valuable experiences to my CV. But more than anything, I have loved creating a welcoming space on campus and seeing participants proudly learn how to mend their own clothes.

Did you face any significant obstacles or challenges during your program?

My biggest challenge was getting back into the swing of post-secondary education after having been away for eight years. I didn't go easy on myself that first year; I had a full course load and, as a millenial, stubbornly insisted on taking all of my notes by hand. Thankfully, I had an incredible support system of friends and family in Edmonton and I was dedicated to getting enough sleep. I don't think I could have survived without those things. Later, I was able to take fewer courses per semester and I eventually caved in to using my laptop to take notes. After the first few semesters, I was also just more used to the rhythms of being a student again.

What advice do you have for current and future students?

1. Apply for scholarships!!!
2. Set yourself up for a fun final semester. I took a free elective course on folktales and fairy tales (), did my practicum () and worked on a couple of projects with my professors (i.e. the Clothing Repair Café and a new exhibit for the Human Ecology Gallery). It was 🤌chef's kiss!
3. While you are setting yourself up for a fun final semester, take care of yourself in all of the other semesters, too. Plan to spread your courses out over more than four years or take a few spring and summer courses so you're not buried in coursework during the fall and winter.
4. Say yes to a variety of opportunities! University isn't just about the classes. These opportunities may include study abroad programs, projects with professors, volunteering, participating in poster contests, etc.

How do you plan on celebrating convocation?

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What's next after graduation?

I am applying for curatorial assistant jobs in museums across Canada. My practicum was at the U of A Museums and I really loved it, so I'm hoping to pursue a career in that field.