tweed

tweeds-to-riches 

ACADEMICS

adjective Referring to a university professor, academician, or graduate student who translates his/her research into commercial success.

Tweed is the rough, unfinished wool fabric used to make the blazers and suits traditionally preferred by male academicians. Robes refer to the gowns worn by professors. The term is a play-on words from the phrase rags-to-riches.  

Synonym Robes-to-riches