Role of Thrift Stores: Material Reuse Forum 13
(July 7th, 2026)
What happens to textiles when they’re donated, and how are they recycled? This Forum will explore the journey of donated textiles, from collection and processing to reuse and recycling. The session highlighted real-world practices to help attendees better understand the flow of materials and the systems behind textile recovery.
Meet our Speakers:
Dr. Katarina Goodge, Materials Research Engineer, NIST
Dr. Katarina Goodge is a PREP associate at Georgetown University and guest researcher at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Their current work focuses on advancing a circular economy for textiles through the development of standards, data, and measurement science. They hold a B.S. in chemical engineering from Ohio State University and a M.S. and Ph.D. in fiber science from Cornell University.
Uli Stosch, Chief Officer of Strategic Development, Planet Aid
Uli Stosch is Chief Officer of Strategic Development for Planet Aid. In this role Uli is focusing on business development, sustainability initiatives and partnerships with regional and national stakeholders in the textile reuse industry.
Uli has spent many years working within international development and has extensive experience in the educational and non-profit management sector.
Planet Aid is a non-profit organization operating community-based clothes collection programs and secondhand clothing stores to divert textile, promote reuse and generate funds for community development in the US and abroad.
Giana Manganaro Cronin, Associate Director of Retail, More Than Words
Giana Manganaro Cronin is the Associate Director of Retail at More Than Words. She manages the South End Boomerangs x More Than Words thrift shop. She got into this work through her love for sustainable fashion.
Dr. Marisa Bisram, NRC Postdoctoral Fellow, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Dr. Marisa Bisram is an NRC Postdoctoral Fellow at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Her current work focuses on facilitating the reclamation and reuse of high-strength fibers through standardized characterization and data compilation. Marisa obtained a bachelors in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Delaware and completed her doctoral studies in Mechanical Engineering at Northwestern University.
