Alexandra “Rose” Downs is a doctoral student in the Department of Textile and Apparel Management at the University of Missouri with a certificate in Data Science and Analytics. She is the recipient of the Patrick Fellowship and Piper Distinguished Doctoral Fellowship. Rose received her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing and a minor in Textile and Apparel Management from the University of Missouri. During her undergraduate studies, Rose studied abroad in Milan, Italy at NABA (Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti). She completed her Master of Business Administration with a certificate in the Center for the Digital Globe from the University of Missouri. Her research interests include brand authenticity, artificial intelligence, livestream shopping, and consumer behavior within the fashion industry. Rose can be contacted at aro5h4@umsystem.edu.  

Md Rokibul Hasan is a doctoral student in the Department of Textile and Apparel Management at the University of Missouri. He holds a Master’s Degree in Design and Merchandising from West Virginia University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Textile Engineering with a focus on Wet Processing from Bangladesh University of Textiles. After completing his Bachelor’s, he interned at a multinational textile and apparel manufacturing company in Bangladesh. His research explores the global and local dynamics of the textile and apparel industries, particularly emphasizing the competitive strategies of the fashion industry worldwide. His interests include analyzing fashion trade, examining local fashion retailers’ behaviors and sourcing strategies, and studying fashion consumer behavior. He is available at: mhx5c@missouri.edu

Halimat “Hali” Ipaye is a doctoral student in the Department of Textile and Apparel Management at the University of Missouri as well as a McNair Scholar. She completed her Master’s Degree in Design at the University of Missouri where her thesis focused on the clothing fit and consumption experiences of plus-size women. She has worked in marketing, digital design, and academic fundraising. She was also a Lecturer at Ohio University in Retail Merchandising and Fashion Product Development where she enjoyed teaching by engaging students in their community and hands on application. Her research interests are marginalized populations in fashion, adaptable and sustainable design, and design thinking as a problem-solving approach. When she is not teaching and researching, Hali enjoys vegetarian cooking, film, and repurposing clothing and furniture. She can be reached at ipayeh@mail.missouri.edu.

Yuhui (Jessie) Liu is a doctoral student in the Department of Textile and Apparel Management at the University of Missouri (MU). She holds two master’s degrees from MU, one in Business Administration (MBA) and another in Public Affairs (MPA). Additionally, she has earned three graduate certificates in marketing analytics, digital merchandising, and Data Science and Analytics from three different schools within MU. 

With a comprehensive background in both commercial and public systems, data analytics skills, and 15 years of experience in merchandising management in China, her research interests include entrepreneurship, fashion cross-border e-commerce, digital supply chain transformation in fashion, data science and Artificial Intelligence applications in fashion e-commerce, and sustainability in fashion supply chain digitalization. Jessie can be reached at liuyuh@mail.missouri.edu. 

Mackenzie Miller is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Textile and Apparel Management at the University of Missouri. She is the recipient of the Piper Distinguished Doctoral Fellowship. Mackenzie received her Master’s degree from University of Missouri in Textile & Apparel Management in 2023 along with a graduate certificate in Digital Merchandising. Her thesis focused on using 3D garment design software to create garments for people with disabilities. Her current research interests include user-centered design, creating garments for people with disabilities, and using inclusive design practices in the classroom. She also has worked in product development at an adaptive apparel company. She can be reached at mlmywd@missouri.edu.

Emma Nicoson is a doctoral student in the Department of Textile and Apparel Management (TAM) at the University of Missouri. She is the recipient of the Alan and Sandra Steinberg Fellowship. She completed her master’s degree in Career and Technical Education with an emphasis in TAM from Indiana State University, where she also received her dual bachelor’s degree in Marketing Digital Analytics and Apparel Design. Her research focuses on improving accessibility and inclusion for the blind and visually impaired within the field of fashion. Emma is a member of the National Federation of the Blind local chapter and an advocate for the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. 

Previously, she has professional experience in couture alterations for Kleinfeld Bridal and Lux Tailor in New York City, and locally at Designs x Nadine. Her teaching experience also extends outside higher education where she taught a product development course for people with disabilities in Florence, Italy. Emma’s teaching experience and working in the bridal industry brings a unique perspective to creating apparel that empowers individuals, celebrates diversity, and fosters a more inclusive fashion landscape. She can be reached at en5nr@missouri.edu. 

Angga Ranggana Putra is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Textile and Apparel Management at the University of Missouri. He is the recipient of the Piper Distinguished Doctoral Fellowship. He completed his Master of Business Administration, majoring in Business Strategy and Innovation at Bandung Institute of Technology, Indonesia.

Previously, he has some professional experience in the brand department, digital marketing strategy, as well as an apparel brand entrepreneur in Indonesia. Moreover, he was a former independent project consultant for the Directorate General for National Export, The Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia, focusing on textile and textile products industry.

Furthermore, for over six years, he was a lecturer at the Faculty of Business and Economics, Pertamina University, Indonesia. His research interests include online consumer behavior, sustainable fashion brands, retailing, and consumer behavior in the general textile and apparel industry. He can be reached at anggarangganaputra@mail.missouri.edu.

Hyunjeong “Lacy” Rhee is a doctoral student in the Department of Textile and Apparel Management at the University of Missouri. She is the recipient of the Marion K. and Vernon W. Piper Distinguished Doctoral Fellowship. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Clothing and Textiles from Hanyang University, South Korea. Previously, she worked in the fashion and beauty retail industry for four years in South Korea. As a retail merchandiser, her experience includes product sourcing and developing promotional strategies for health and beauty products. She also supported the early-stage growth of global fashion and beauty brands in the Korean market as an assistant merchandiser. Her research interests include persuasion coping strategies and innovation resistance in consumer behavior. She can be reached at hrdb2@missouri.edu.  

Ishtehar Sharif Swazan is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Textile and Apparel Management at the University of Missouri and the recipient of Piper Distinguished Doctoral Fellowship. He received his Master’s Degree in Design and Merchandising from the West Virginia University along with a graduate certification in Business Data Analysis. His thesis focused on the small and micro bridal boutique’s operation in rural West Virginia during the post pandemic period. His current research areas include small and micro fashion businesses, global apparel industry, supply chain management, and consumer behavior. He previously worked as an assistant merchandiser for a garment manufacturing company in Bangladesh. He can be reached at isf5d@missouri.edu.

Xun “Catherine” Sun is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Textile and Apparel Management at the University of Missouri. She is the recipient of the Marion K. and Vernon W. Piper Distinguished Doctoral Fellowship. She completed her master’s degree in fashion andluxury management at School of Knowledge Economy and Management (SKEMA) in France and a second master’s degree in applied economics at University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) in Beijing, China. She received dual bachelor’s degrees in fashion marketing & clothing design engineering at Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology(BIFT).

She has worked as fashion retail trainer, fashion buyer and business development manager at fashion brand company in China for 6 years, and she was also an assistant professor in Marketing Department with emphasis on Fashion Buying and Merchandising at Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology(BIFT) since 2018. With a multidisciplinary background, her research interests include CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) in global fashion supply chain/ corporate innovation and development/ fashion consumer behavior and brand marketing strategy. She can be reached at xshmt@missouri.edu.

Seong Eun Kim, PhD. ’24 is an assistant professor at the Indiana University-Bloomington. He received the PhD degree from the Department of Textile and Apparel Management at the University of Missouri in 2024. He is a recipient of the Adeline Hoffman Fellowship. He completed his Master’s Degree in Clothing and Textiles from Hanyang University. His thesis was focused on the sustainable consumption behavior and packaging system in online purchase environment. His research interests include sustainable education and EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) policy in fashion industry.

Jia Wu, PhD. ’24 is an assistant professor at Auburn University. She received the PhD degree from the Department of Textile and Apparel Management at the University of Missouri in 2024. She is the recipient of the Marion K. and Vernon W. Piper Distinguished Doctoral Fellowship. She received her bachelor and master degree in Fashion Design and Engineering from Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology in China and then worked as a general manager in a fashion company for 10 years. Her research interests include global supply chain management and fashion sustainability.

Joohye Hwang, Ph.D. ’23, is an assistant professor at Thomas Jefferson University. She received her Ph.D. degree from the Textile and Apparel Management Department at the University of Missouri. Previously, she worked as a merchandiser for six years at a duty-free retail company in South Korea. Her experience includes buying and sourcing a variety of brands and products and participating in SIHH and Baselworld duty-free fairs. As a professional, she desires to contribute to building a framework to explain fashion consumer behavior and provide practical knowledge to the fashion industry. Her research interests include the influence of omnichannel/multichannel shopping environment and social network platform-driven communication/interaction on consumers in the global fashion industry.

Lida Aflatoony, Ph.D. ‘22. She is an Assistant Professor at the Colorado State University after completing her Ph.D. in the Department of Textile and Apparel Management (TAM) at the University of Missouri. She completed her Master of Science in Design for the Fashion System from the Polytechnic University of Milan and worked for five years in positions including product management, global sourcing, pattern making, aesthetic consulting and design. She has collaborated with several apparel companies in Milan such as Atelier Versace, Roberto Cavalli, Rosamosario, Vaprio Stile Srl, and Crochette di Milano. Lida’s research interests include design innovation, user participatory design solutions, sustainable product development, sizing, digital apparel design and fashion technology in apparel production

Muzhen Li, Ph.D. ’22  She is an assistant professor at the University of Kentucky after completing her Ph.D. in the Department of Textile and Apparel Management at the University of Missouri. She is the recipient of the Piper Distinguished Doctoral Fellowship. She received her bachelor’s degree in bioengineering from Zhejiang University. She completed her dual master’s degrees in chemical engineering and statistics from the University of Missouri. With multiple backgrounds, her research interests include social informatics, data science, and global supply chain management.

Ashten Lorts, M.S. ’22 She is a merchandise buyer at The Club at Old Hawthorne after completing her M.S. in the Department of Textile and Apparel Management at the University of Missouri. She received her bachelor’s degree in apparel merchandising and product development from the University of Arkansas in May of 2020. Ashten is still exploring new research topics, but she is highly interested in sourcing and consumer behavior.

Md. Rafiqul Islam Rana, PhD ‘22, is an assistant professor at the University of South Carolina. He completed his Ph.D. in the Department of Textile and Apparel Management at the University of Missouri and was the recipient of the Piper Distinguished Doctoral Fellowship. He completed his master’s degree from the current program where his thesis was focused on the buyer-supplier relationships in the global textile and apparel supply chain setting. He was the ITAA Oriss Glisson Fellowship: Outstanding Beginning Masters Students award recipient in 2016. His current research areas include global sourcing & supply chain strategies, and organizational dynamics within the textile and apparel industries. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in textile technology from Ahsanullah University of Science & Technology, Bangladesh. Before attending Mizzou, he worked as a Merchandiser and Supply Chain Executive in Bangladesh for three years. Rana is a big-time football and movie enthusiast.

Cydni M. Robertson, PhD ‘22, is a postdoctoral fellow at Ohio State University. She completed her Ph.D. in the Department of Textile and Apparel Management (TAM) at the University of Missouri. She completed her master’s degree in public leadership at The University of North Texas at Dallas, focusing her studies in non-profit organizational management, grant writing, public program evaluation, and data-driven community needs assessments. Professionally, Cydni has worked in retail sales team management for three years and digital marketing/analytics for two years prior to pursuing her doctoral degree. Her research interests include improving women’s empowerment initiatives in the global textile and apparel supply chain through public policy analysis.

Shuyi Huang, Ph.D. ’21 She received her Ph.D. from the Department of Textile and Apparel Management (TAM) at the University of Missouri. Her research interests include sustainability development in the global supply chain, education for sustainability, and consumer behavior. She received her bachelor and Master’s degrees in apparel, textiles, and interior design from Kansas State University. During her master’s degree program, Shuyi had been co-teaching in the Global Supply Chain Management and Professional Development classes. Previously, Shuyi also worked as a Human Resource Manager in China before pursuing further education in the United States. She currently works for Tesla.

Eunmi Lee, Ph.D. ’21 She received her Ph.D. from the Department of Textile and Apparel Management (TAM) at the University of Missouri. Her research interests include sustainability and social responsibility in softgoods industry, especially on labor issues. She completed her M.S. degree and graduate certificate course in socially responsible and sustainable apparel at the University of Delaware. Before starting her graduate studies in the U.S., she has worked in the field of Fair Trade as a general manger and the career motivated her to study further about sustainability in the textile and apparel industry. Eunmi also worked as a marketing manager for a public enterprise in South Korea.

Anna Moritz, M.S. ’21 She received her M.S. degree from the Department of Textile and Apparel Management (TAM) at the University of Missouri. She received her bachelor’s degree in retail marketing and merchandising from the University of Missouri in May 2019. Her research interests include sustainability in apparel design and production, design innovation, and adaptive apparel design.

Mahima Naznin, M.S. ’21 She received her master’s degree from the Department of Textile and Apparel Management from the University of Missouri in summer 2021. Her research interests included consumer behavior, CSR (corporate social responsibility) of sustainable fashion brands, CSR communication etc. She completed her bachelor’s degree in textile engineering from Bangladesh University of Textiles in 2017. She also received a certification of CSCA (Certified Supply Chain Analyst) from ISCEA (International Supply Chain Education Alliance).

Max Duroseau, M.S. ’19 He received his M.S. from the Department of Textile and Apparel Management (TAM) at the University of Missouri. He holds a B.S. in retail, merchandising, and product development from The Florida State University, where he became impressed with the study of global sourcing as well as themes which include achieving the triple bottom line. His current research interests include: corporate social responsibility and aiding developing economies through apparel supply chain management. Max held various positions within retail ranging from sales to retail planning before choosing to pursue higher education. As a professional, he aspires to have a lasting impact on developing countries through research and innovation within the apparel and textile industry. In his free time, Max enjoys watching films and practicing photography as a creative hobby. Max was born and raised in Miami, FL and is of Haitian descent. He currently teaches English in China.

Abby Romine, M.A. ’19, received her M.A. from the Department of Textile and Apparel Management at the University of Missouri. After serving with the United States Army, she received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri in Interior Design. Before starting her graduate studies, she worked as a residential interior designer for five years, then decided to expand her design interests to the apparel industry. Her research interests include: textile and apparel production, emphasizing in design for body type and fashion/interior design inspired by cinema. She is an Associate Technical Designer at Fanatics.

Baolu Wang, Ph.D. ’19, received his Ph.D. from the Department of Textile and Apparel Management at the University of Missouri. He is a recipient of the Adeline Hoffman Fellowship and ITAA Marjorie Joseph Fellowship. He received his MS in Fashion Design and Engineering from Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology in China in 2012 and then worked as a lecturer in this university for 4 years. His research interests include global supply chain management and fashion sustainability. He is a lecturer at Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology in China.

Rachel LoMonaco-Benzing, Ph.D. ’18, received her MS from the University of Rhode Island and worked 4 years in product management and customer service for the sustainable consumer products B-Corp, Preserve. She was also an instructor at the University of Rhode Island prior to her doctoral studies. Her research interests include collaborative economic development opportunities for independent retailers and producers, cultural motives for sustainability, and sustainability education. She is currently a non-tenure assistant professor at Kent State University, where she teaches textile and apparel analysis courses.

Dipali Modi, M.S. ’18 She received her M.S. from the Department of Textile and Apparel Management at the University of Missouri in 2018. She has a bachelor’s degree from National Institute of Fashion Technology, India. Before starting with graduate studies, she has worked as Merchandiser in Indian apparel industry for four years. Her research interest includes Retail Planning strategies, Multi-channel retailing, consumer behavior, Branding and Promotions. She is currently a buyer for the Linen Club at Aditya Birla Group in India.

Angela Uriyo, Ph.D. ’18. Her research interests include global supply chain management, international trade policy, and the use of technology in measuring the socioeconomic impact of recycled softgoods. Prior to pursuing a PhD, she was college instructor and freelance technical designer. She is currently a visiting assistant professor at West Virginia University.

Sunhyung Cho, M.S. ’17, is the recipient of the Adeline Hoffman Fellowship at MU. She received her M.S. in Clothing and Textile Studies from Seoul National University in Korea. Her research interests include sustainability in fashion design and socio-cultural issues related to clothing. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree at Iowa State University.

Saheli Goswami, Ph.D. ’17 Her research interests include corporate behaviors and responsibilities, organizational ethics, and employee relations within the global apparel supply chain. Saheli completed her M.S. from the current program and her bachelor’s degree from the National Institute of Fashion Technology, India. She worked for three years as a Merchandiser in the leather and apparel industry in India for clients such as Li & Fung, Next, House of Fraser, and Marks & Spencer. She is currently an assistant professor at the University of Rhode Island.

Gretta Hempelmann, M.A. ’17 She researches history of fashion and fashion design. She received her BS from West Virginia University in Fashion design and merchandising.

Geetika Jaiswal, Ph.D. ’17 She is the recipient of Piper Distinguished Doctoral Fellowship at MU. Her research interests include sustainable practices within the apparel global supply chain, textile/apparel policies and its impact. She received her Master’s degree in Clothing & Textiles from Pantnagar, India, and worked as a Lecturer in India and Taiwan. She is currently an assistant professor (tenure track) at North Carolina A&T State University.

Deepika Raj, Ph.D. ’17. Her research interests include interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation for product development and merchandising related to wearable technology, 3D printing, 3D scanning, and virtual reality. Deepika has a bachelor’s degree from National Institute of Fashion Technology, India and MS degree from Illinois State University. She has work experience from different parts of apparel supply chain starting from textile mills to buying houses. She is currently a user experience researcher at Microsoft in Seattle, Washington.

Debanjan Das, Ph.D. ’16  He is the recipient of TAM Outstanding Graduate Student award. His research program investigates how the labor force participation of married women in the Indian apparel manufacturing industry impacts family development and women empowerment. His areas of research include labor economics, international trade policies and organizational structure analysis. Debanjan has two years’ work experience in Indian apparel industry, working for clients such as Diesel, Calvin Klein, Timberland, Tommy Hilfiger and Tom Tailor. He is an assistant professor at West Virginia University.

Stacy Lee, Ph.D. ’16 She has research interests in sustainability, global supply chain management, and sourcing strategies. Approaching from consumer’s perspective, her previous research measures impacts of consumer’s value and attitude on sustainability lifestyle. Realizing an important role of global supply chain, Stacy’s passion of research expands to global supply chains in textile and apparel industry. She was a research assistant professor at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and now an associate professor at Texas Tech University.

Sandra Starkey, Ph.D. ’16 Her research interests include apparel design using an inclusive design framework to meet a variety of unique needs. Sandra has experience as a small business owner and visual merchandising manager. She is an assistant professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and is teaching courses in product development and apparel design.

Jenna Bubna, M.S. ’16 She received her B.S. in fashion merchandising from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Her research interests include environmental sustainability in textile and apparel disposal and fair trade production. She is currently a merchandise distribution analyst at Payless ShoeSource.

Amritaksha Duttagupta, MS ’16 During his tenure at Mizzou, he held key positions at the Graduate Professional Council, and the International Students’ Council. He is a gold medalist from National Institute of Fashion Technology, India where he earned his Bachelor’s degree. He is currently a Fashion Buyer at Future Lifestyle Fashion Limited, India’s leading retail conglomerate.

Md. Tahmidul Islam Molla, M.S. ’16 His research interests include global apparel supply chain management and sourcing strategies. He completed his MBA from the Institute of Business Administration, Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh and his bachelor’s degree in Textile Technology from Bangladesh University of Textiles. Before coming to Mizzou, he worked as a Lecturer at Green University of Bangladesh for two and half years. He is currently a Ph.D. student at the University of Minnesota.

Katherine Brewster, M.S. ’15 She received her B.S. in apparel studies from the University of Arkansas. Her research interests include sustainability in textiles and bridging the gap between product developers and engineers to help create more sustainable systems and products. She is a compliance specialist at Design Resources, Inc. in Kansas City.

Laura McAndrews, Ph.D. ’15, M.S. ’12 While achieving her graduate degrees from the University of Missouri under the guidance of Dr. Ha-Brookshire, Laura’s research focused on the people working within the Global Apparel Supply Chain who create dynamic work environments. Recently, she has started to research inclusive design for people living with disabilities. Before returning to academia, Laura worked for nine years in the apparel industry in New York and Philadelphia for companies such as Ralph Lauren, Gap Inc, and Urban Outfitters. Currently, Laura is an assistant professor at the University of Georgia.

Lushan (Sarina) Sun, Ph.D. ’15, received a bachelor science (’09) and master of science (’12) degrees in apparel design and has been recognized through ITAA awards for her design scholarship. She currently works as an assistant professor at Auburn University. Her research background includes sustainable design, traditional and digital textile surface design, and she has developed focus in CAD based design incorporating emerging digital technology including 3D printing and 3D body scanning in the apparel product design and development process.

Li Zhao, Ph.D. ’15 Her research interests fall within the area of founders’ leadership on apparel new venture performance in the global context and firm longevity in hyper-dynamic market environment of textiles and apparel. She also studies the brand credibility and brand image related to sustainability efforts. She completed her master’s degree and bachelor’s degree from Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, China. She worked in sales and marketing for Christian Dior and the Wilkinson Group in China. She is currently an assistant professor at the University of Missouri.

Gargi Bhaduri, Ph.D. ’14, MS ’11 Her research interests include sustainable supply chain issues and brand communications related to sustainable practices and information processing. She teaches softgoods retailing and has served as a graduate student liaison for ITAA. She is currently an associate professor at Kent State University.

Katie Baker Jones, Ph.D. ’14, B.S. ’05 After earning her Ph.D. at Mizzou, she was selected as an MU Graduate School PFF Postdoctoral Fellow for 2014-2015. This enabled her to teach across the curriculum in TAM, the Honors College, and the School of Journalism. She is currently an assistant professor at West Virginia University. Her research and teaching interests center on the use of fashion and dress for meaning-making in everyday life. Additionally, she explores the role of media as a vital contributor to meaning construction in the industry.

Allie Sue Grotts, Ph.D. ’14 Allie is currently an instructor of fashion merchandising at Southeast Missouri State University in the College of Human Environmental Sciences. In her role at SEMO, she serves as the practicum coordinator for fashion merchandising majors, which includes the responsibility for all planning, inventory, buying, merchandising, and selling in SEMO’s live learning lab: Catapult Creative House. She is also a member of the board of directors for Catapult Creative House. Allie earned her master of science degree from Illinois State University in 2011, bachelor of science degree from Eastern Illinois University in 2009, and has worked for GAP and Von Maur.