Boyer, a Strategic Communication major and Fashion Design co-major, will be formally recognized during the 2026 ITAA Annual Meeting, Bold Shores: Endless Possibilities, taking place November 17–21 in Jacksonville, Florida.

The award recognizes Boyer's academic achievements and contributions to collaborative research with adjunct professor Elaine Yuen, M.F.A., Ph.D.. Their project, titled User-Centered Design of Contemporary Women's Golfwear: Integrating Hungarian Kalocsa Folk Art and Functional Needs, explores how traditional Hungarian embroidery can be incorporated into modern women's golf apparel to create clothing that is both functional and culturally meaningful.

“Having caddied for several years, I've seen firsthand the need for women's golf apparel that is both comfortable and functional,” explained Boyer. “That experience inspired me to explore ways to improve women's golfwear without sacrificing style.”

The research addresses a growing demand for stylish, practical golf apparel among young women, particularly those ages 18–35. Drawing on Boyer's five years of experience as a golf caddie and her involvement with the Pittsburgh Field Club, the project identifies common challenges with existing women's golfwear, including limited functionality, outdated designs, and a lack of cultural representation.

Inspired by traditional Hungarian Kalocsai embroidery, known for its colorful floral patterns and cultural significance, the project incorporates heritage-inspired designs into contemporary athletic apparel. The research also explores how fashion can help preserve cultural traditions while meeting the needs of today's consumers.

Through archival research, visits to the Cleveland Hungarian Museum, user surveys, and garment prototyping, Boyer and Yuen developed three sets of women's golf apparel. Designs include windproof, water-repellent vests inspired by traditional Hungarian garments, detachable aprons, and specially designed pockets for golf essentials.

“Working in the Costume Collection alongside Dr. Elaine Yuen has also been an incredible experience. She's been a great mentor throughout this process and encouraged me to draw inspiration from garments in the collection, which led me to incorporate Hungarian Kalocsa folk art into my designs. It's been exciting to bring together my interests in golf, fashion, and history to create something meaningful and functional for women golfers,” said Boyer.

The garments were evaluated for comfort, mobility, practicality, and performance, with feedback from young female golfers helping guide design improvements.

Yuen expressed pride in Boyer's accomplishments and the national recognition of their collaborative work.

"This recognition is especially meaningful because Abigail's work has developed through our collaborative research, and I am very proud to see our research and her contributions to the project recognized at the international level," Yuen said. "It is also wonderful recognition of Abigail's accomplishments, dedication, and potential as an emerging scholar."

Beyond her research, Boyer is an Evans Scholar and serves as president of Miami University's Outdoor Adventure Club.

The International Textile and Apparel Association is a professional organization dedicated to advancing scholarship, education, and innovation in the textile and apparel disciplines. Its annual meeting brings together researchers, educators, and students to share scholarship and recognize achievements in the field.

Boyer and Yuen plan to attend the November conference, where Boyer will be honored as the 2026 Blanche Payne Award recipient.