Anna Lones

Anna Lones

Anna Lones has been an integral part of LION for the past six years, serving as the Marketing Director for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). In her role, Anna leads all marketing efforts related to turnout gear, rescue wear, firefighter essentials, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) protection. Anna's passion for her work is evident in her commitment to the fire service community. She believes that every firefighter deserves the best protection possible, and she works tirelessly to make this a reality. Her efforts ensure that LION’s marketing not only promotes the products effectively but also emphasizes the critical importance of safety and preparedness in the fire service industry.
Dr. Cassandra Kwon

Dr. Cassandra Kwon

A proud alumna of NC State’s College of Textiles, Dr. Kwon earned her undergraduate degree in textile apparel and technology, followed by a Ph.D. in textile technology management. Her academic journey, enriched by hands-on learning and interdisciplinary research, has equipped her with a deep understanding of textile science and a passion for creating life-saving solutions. Dr. Kwon’s research focuses on the development of ergonomic, protective garments that enhance the safety and comfort of those who wear them. Her projects, often funded by major organizations like the Department of Homeland Security, involve rigorous material testing, innovative design, and real-world trials with first responders. With her unique blend of industry experience and academic expertise, Dr. Kwon is making significant strides in the field of textile protection, driven by her passion for innovation and her commitment to safeguarding those who protect us.
Karen Lehtonen

Karen Lehtonen

Karen joined LION in November of 2000. Throughout her career, she has worked in the areas of R&D and product development. Her current responsibilities include Global Innovation and Product Development. Prior to joining LION, Karen worked for Intertek Testing in Cortland, NY where she was responsible for managing the PPE testing laboratory. Karen holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in Rochester, NY. Karen represents LION on several NFPA technical committees governing Fire Fighter PPE, Training, and Health & Safety. She is the Chair of the ASTM F23 Committee on Personal Protective Equipment and is a member of the Safety Equipment Institute’s Board of Directors.
Meredith McQuerry

Meredith McQuerry

Dr. Meredith McQuerry is the Carol E. Avery Associate Professor in the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship at Florida State University, where she directs the ThermaNOLE Comfort Lab® and the Textile Testing Laboratory. She earned her Ph.D. in Textile Technology Management from NC State University. Dr. McQuerry’s research focuses on improving protective clothing for first responders, military personnel, and athletes, enhancing comfort, mobility, and fit. She uses virtual modeling and human wear trials to assess clothing impact on performance. Recognized for her expertise in clothing comfort physiology and textile testing, Dr. McQuerry has received nearly $4 million in funding, including $2 million from FEMA to develop female firefighting PPE. Her work contributes to the first female flash fire manikin standard and has been widely published. She also serves as a grant reviewer for FEMA, NIOSH, and NSERC and has consulted for several high-profile organizations.
LION Webcast

Fit For Her: Innovating Turnout Gear for Female Firefighters’ Safety and Performance

Date & Time

October 1, 2024 @ 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm EDT

Duration

1 Hour

CEU

A certificate of attendance will be offered.

View On Demand
Join us for an informative webcast titled "Fit For Her: Innovating Turnout Gear for Female Firefighters' Safety and Performance," featuring three industry experts: Karen Lehtonen, VP of Global R&D & Innovation at LION, Dr. Meredith McQuerry, Carol E. Avery Associate Professor and Director of the ThermaNOLE Comfort Lab® at Florida State University, and Dr. Cassandra Kwon, Research Assistant Professor at NC State University. This webcast will explore the latest research and innovations in turnout gear designed specifically for female firefighters, including key findings on how improperly fitting gear affects performance, safety, and fatigue.

Panel of Experts

Anna Lones

Anna Lones

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Dr. Cassandra Kwon

Dr. Cassandra Kwon

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Karen Lehtonen

Karen Lehtonen

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Meredith McQuerry

Meredith McQuerry

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