The 2008 Outstanding Ph. D. Student in the College of Human Environmental Sciences is Ji Hye Kang. Ji Hye earned her doctoral degree from CHES in December, 2007, with a specialization in international merchandising. After working in the apparel merchandising business in Korea, she realized the development of international markets was becoming a necessary component in determining success. She chose the department of Design, Housing and Merchandising at OSU to become fluent in international marketing and the globalized apparel industry. .Ji Hye has had three refereed journal articles accepted with three under review at the present time. She has made ten refereed presentations at regional, national and international conferences. She is also preparing three manuscripts for presentation. Two of her three submissions were accepted to be best research paper nominees at the International Textiles and Apparel Association’s annual conference. One of the submissions was chosen to receive the “Best Research Paper” award. Her work on literature review, data analysis and module development on federally funded research projects has been noted as a valuable asset to the projects. Ji Hye’s dissertation topic relating to cognitive appraisal of international consumers’ preference toward U.S. apparel goods is the first time cognitive psychology theory has been applied to merchandising. Ji Hye received the 2008 Graduate Research Award from OSU’s Graduate College for this innovative research. Her research has shown how knowledge of cultural differences is crucial in conducting global business.