For Barclay Jumet, innovation starts with something deceptively simple: clothing.
Graduating with a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Rice University, Jumet conducted doctoral research rethinking how everyday textiles can be transformed into functional assistive technologies. Working in the Preston Innovation Laboratory under the guidance of Professor Dan Preston, his work sits at the intersection of fluid mechanics, heat transfer and human-centered design.
“I looked at the ways we could modify everyday materials, like textiles, to become actively assistive devices for humans,” Jumet said.
His research focuses on developing garments that do more than provide comfort or protection. By integrating air- and heat-based systems rather than traditional electronics, Jumet and his collaborators have created “smart fabrics” that remain washable, durable and practical for daily use.
In a world largely designed for sight and sound, Jumet’s research explores alternative ways of communication. His textile-based systems use haptics — the sense of touch — to convey information, opening new possibilities for individuals with visual or auditory impairments.
“Our world is almost entirely engineered to communicate through our eyes and ears,” Jumet said. “These systems allow us to introduce touch as another channel for communication.”
The platform is flexible enough to integrate multiple functions: tactile cues for communication, warming elements for cold environments and even nonelectronic cooling systems that can dissipate body heat much like a phone’s or laptop’s cooling system — critical for athletes in pads or soldiers in body armor.
Jumet’s interest in assistive systems began during his undergraduate studies, where he explored physical rehabilitation technologies. But he quickly recognized a gap in existing solutions.
“Many of the state-of-the-art assistive systems were not very well-suited for long-duration or substantial use,” he said. “Textiles offered a natural way to provide enhanced capabilities, because they’re something we already use every day.”
That realization led him to a broader question that would define his doctoral work: How can wearable technology improve the way people interact with the world around them?
Like many doctoral journeys, Jumet’s time at Rice was marked by both challenge and growth. He describes a cycle of demanding deadlines, long nights and high expectations — particularly as he balanced academic research with building a startup based on his work.
That effort recently earned recognition at the H. Albert Napier Rice Launch Challenge, where Jumet and his company, Actile Technologies, won second place and $25,000 in equity-free funding. The annual competition brings together undergraduate, graduate and MBA students to pitch ventures on one of Rice’s largest entrepreneurial stages.
“Rice gave me the tools to approach unknown challenges with both curiosity and rigor,” Jumet said. “And it gave me the confidence to pursue something as ambitious as building a company.”
Throughout his time at Rice, Jumet found community within the lab — working late nights alongside colleagues, traveling for conferences and building friendships that carried him through the most demanding moments of his Ph.D.
“The impact the lab’s camaraderie had on not only my enjoyment, but also simply my completion of the Ph.D., cannot be understated,” he said.
Looking back, Jumet is most proud of his personal and professional growth.
“I learned how to be a better researcher, a motivated entrepreneur, a mentor and a collaborator,” he said. “This time at Rice taught me more about myself than it did about any technical subject.”
After graduation, Jumet will continue leading Actile Technologies as co-founder and CEO, advancing smart textile systems designed to enhance communication in high-stakes environments.
As he reflects on his journey, Jumet offers simple but direct advice to those just beginning their graduate careers.
“Don’t ask, don’t get,” he said. “Be honest and direct with people. And push yourself — but in ways that help you grow.”