Curriculum Vitae

 

Education

Ph.D. in Textile Engineering & Sciences Student, 2020-present

Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA
Focus: Reclamation and Valorization of Post-Consumer Medical Textile Waste in Composite Nonwovens
Advisor: Dr. Brian George
Anticipated Graduation: 2024

M.S. in Textile Design, 2004

Philadelphia University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA
Concentrations: Print Design, Woven Design
Advisors: Hitoshi Ujiie & Joyce Storey

B.S. in Textiles and Apparel, 2001

Cornell University, Ithaca, New York USA
Concentrations: Apparel Design, Costume Design
2000-2001: Advanced Undergraduate Theater Program

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Academic Appointments

Program Director

2023-present, Undergraduate Director
2022-2023, Undergraduate Co-Director
Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York USA
College of Art and Design, School of Design, Industrial Design Department

Associate Professor

Fall 2022-present
Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York USA
College of Art and Design, School of Design, Industrial Design Department

Assistant Professor

Fall 2016 – Spring 2022
Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York USA
College of Art and Design, School of Design, Industrial Design Department

Adjunct Professor

Fall 2014 – Spring 2016
Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York USA
College of Art and Design, School of Design, Industrial Design Department

Spring 2011
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, St. Paul, Minnesota USA
College of Design, Apparel Design Department

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Research & Creative Scholarship

Peer Reviewed Journal Articles

  1. Park, H., Kim S., Morris, K., Moukperian, M., Moon, Y., & Stull, J. (2015). Effect of firefighters’ personal protective equipment on gait. Applied Ergonomics. 48, 42-48. (Impact factor: 1.332) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2014.11.001

Peer Reviewed Working Papers & Conference Publications

  1. Gonzalez Esteche, A. & Dawson, M. (2019). Abracemos lo Nuestro: Encouraging new ideation with traditional Paraguayan textiles. Proceedings of Cumulusbogotá 2019 (Bogotá, Colombia, Oct 30-Nov 1, 2019). Cumulusbogotá 2019: The Day After Design. Cumulus, Bogotá, Colombia, 760-770. (Acceptance rate: 30%) http://cumulusbogota2019.org/cumulus-conference-proceedings-bogota-2019.pdf

  2. Gonzalez Esteche, A. & Dawson, M. (2019). Abracemos lo Nuestro: Encouraging new ideation with traditional Paraguayan textiles. Abstract published in conference program for Cumulusbogotá 2019 (Bogotá, Colombia, Oct 30-Nov 1, 2019). Cumulusbogotá 2019: The Day After Design. Cumulus, Bogotá, Colombia, 760-770. (Acceptance rate: 30%) https://cumulusbogota2019.org/cumulus-programme-book.pdf

  3. Dawson, M. & Golden, M. (2019). Abracito: Designing Skin-to-Skin Incubation Garments for Preemies & Micro Preemies. Proceedings of the 2019 International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference, Las Vegas, NV USA. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.8199

  4. Dawson, M. UnWasted Possibilities: An Exploration in Product Design Using Felt Offcuts. Proceedings of the NETInc 2019 - Innovative Nonwovens Conference held in conjunction with TAPPI’s 2019 PaperCon, Indianapolis, IN USA. https://imisrise.tappi.org/TAPPI/Products/19/PAP/19PAP78.aspx

  5. Rivera, M., Moukperian, M., Ashbrook, D., Mankoff, J., & Hudson, S. (2017). Stretching the Bounds of 3D Printing with Embedded Textiles. Proceedings of the 35th Annual SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, Denver, CO USA. https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3025453.3025460

  6. Rivera, M., Moukperian, M., Ashbrook, D., Mankoff, J., & Hudson, S. (2017). Stretching the Bounds of 3D Printing with Embedded Textiles. Working paper published in the proceedings of the 35th Annual SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (Denver, CO USA, May 6-11, 2017). CHI’17. ACM, New York, NY USA, 497-508. (Acceptance rate: 25%) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/3025453.3025460

  7. Park, H., Kim, S., Morris, K., Moukperian, M., Moon, Y., & Stull, J. (2014). Effect of Firefighter’s Personal Protective Equipment on Gait. Proceedings of annual meeting of International Textile and Apparel Association conference, Charlotte, NC USA.

  8. Morris K., Moukperian M., Campbell C., Dorn J., Trejo H., Wu Y., Goodnow L., Schultz S., Wu J. & Ashdown S., (2013). Exploring a Process: Using Technology to Define Firefighter Glove Fit Preference. Proceedings of the annual meeting of International Textile and Apparel Association conference, New Orleans, LA USA.

  9. Morris, K., Moukperian, M., & Jirousek, C. (2012). The Vignelli Approach to Apparel Design: An Examination of an Architect’s Venture into Sustainable Fashion. Proceedings of the annual International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference, Honolulu, HI USA.

  10. Moukperian, M., & Jirousek, C. (2012). Westernization of dress in the late Ottoman Empire: An Examination of an Ottoman Armenian dress. Proceedings of the annual Costume Society of America Symposium, Atlanta, GA USA.

Peer Reviewed Presentations (Presenter(s) in italic)

  1. Knight, A. & Dawson, M. (2022. Abstract accepted, conference not attended due to COVID-19). Clear Communication for Children: Designing a Clear Mask for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community through Communication-Centered Design. Oral presentation in May 2022 at the 8th Annual Costume Society of America Meeting and Symposium, Minneapolis, MN USA.

  2. Dawson, M. & Treacy, A. (Abstract accepted, conference canceled due to COVID-19). Explorations into Acoustic Product Design Using Nonwovens. Oral presentation in Fall 2021 at TAPPICON 2021, Atlanta, GA USA.

  3. Gonzalez Esteche, A. & Dawson, M. (2019). Abracemos lo Nuestro: Encouraging new ideation with traditional Paraguayan textiles. Oral presentation at Cumulusbogotá 2019: The Day After Design conference, Bogotá, Colombia. https://cumulusbogota2019.org/cumulus-programme-book.pdf

  4. Dawson, M. & Golden, M. (2019). Abracito: Designing Skin-to-Skin Incubation Garments for Preemies & Micro Preemies. Oral presentation at the 2019 International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada USA. DOI:  https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.8199

  5. Dawson, M. UnWasted Possibilities: An Exploration in Product Design Using Felt Offcuts. Oral presentation at NETInc 2019 - Innovative Nonwovens Conference held in conjunction with TAPPI’s 2019 PaperCon, Indianapolis, Indiana USA.

  6. Rivera, M., Moukperian, M., Ashbrook, D., Mankoff, J., & Hudson, S. (2017). Stretching the Bounds of 3D Printing with Embedded Textiles. Oral presentation at the annual CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, Denver, Colorado USA.

  7. Park, H., Kim, S., Morris, K., Moukperian, M., Moon, Y., & Stull, J. (2014). Effect of Firefighter’s Personal Protective Equipment on Gait. Oral presentation at the annual meeting of International Textile and Apparel Association, Charlotte, North Carolina USA.

  8. Morris K., Moukperian M., Campbell C., Dorn J., Trejo H., Wu Y., Goodnow L., Schultz S.,  Wu J. & Ashdown S., (2013). Exploring a Process: Using Technology to Define Firefighter Glove Fit Preference. Oral presentation at the annual meeting of International Textile and Apparel Association, New Orleans, Louisiana USA.

  9. Morris, K., Moukperian, M., & Jirousek, C. (2012). The Vignelli Approach to Apparel Design: An Examination of an Architect’s Venture into Sustainable Fashion. Oral presentation at the annual International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference, Honolulu, Hawaii USA.

  10. Moukperian, M., & Jirousek, C. (2012). Westernization of dress in the late Ottoman Empire: An Examination of an Ottoman Armenian dress. Presented at the annual Costume Society of America Symposium, Atlanta, Georgia USA.

Invited Talks & Presentations

  1. Dawson, M. (January 2021). Work & RIT Soft Studio. Invited presentation to 2021 Fabricanti at Fabrica, Treviso, Italy. Zoom.

  2. Dawson, M. & Dunne, L. (2018). Not Another Smart Watch…Please. Invited co-presentation with Dr. Lucy Dunne from University of Minnesota on the history and future of integrating wearable technology & soft product design. Second Annual Interactive Design Conference, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY USA.

Posters & Demonstrations

  1. Schneider J., Dawson, M., Low, A., Pridmore, T. (2023). Next Gen Personal Protective Equipment: Driving PPE use through the technical equipment lifecycle. Poster. Embracing the Digital Future of Healthcare Symposium. Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY USA.

  2. Rivera, M., Moukperian, M., Ashbrook, D., Mankoff, J., & Hudson, S. (2017). Stretching the Bounds of 3D Printing with Embedded Textiles. Poster and demonstration. 3D Printing Summit, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania USA.

  3. Rivera, M., Moukperian, M., Ashbrook, D., Mankoff, J., & Hudson, S. (2016). Stretching the Bounds of 3D Printing with Embedded Textiles. Poster and demonstration. DIY Assistive Technology Summit, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania USA.

Invited Design Exhibitions

  1. Dawson, M., & Owen, J. (2018). Soft Studio at NYC Design Week. Curated exhibit of Soft Studio undergraduate and graduate student work. WantedDesign IC, Brooklyn, New York USA. More than 2,000 NY-based and international journalists and VIP guests attended Opening Night, with 15,000 attendees over the course of 6 days.

  2. Moukperian, M. & Dunn, B. (2016). 3D Printed Weft Knitted Dress Prototype. Woman’s dress 3D printed of flexible filament in functional weft knit construction. AMPrint Lab, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York USA. Featured prototype in the Grand Opening Ceremony of the AMPrint Lab. Over 100 attendees including RIT President Bill Destler, Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul, and other RIT, industry and state officials.

  3. Moukperian, M., Dunn, B., & Cormier, D. (2017). 3D Printed Weft Knitted Dress Prototype. Woman’s dress 3D printed of flexible filament in functional weft knit construction. RAPID + TCT 3D Printing Expo & Conference, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania USA. Over 6,000 attendees consisting of new and veteran additive manufacturing technologists from around the globe.

Additional Design Exhibitions

  1. Dawson, M. & Maxwell, C. Vignelli Graduation Cap and Gown. Worn by Vignelli Distinguished Professor of Design and Director of the Vignelli Center for Design Studies Josh Owen at the 2023 Commencement Ceremonies for RIT’s College of Art and Design. Cap, gown, and development documentation accessioned into the Vignelli Center for Design Studies Archive. Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY USA.

  2. Dawson, M. (2023). Ornamento. Glass. CAD Faculty Exhibition, Bevier Gallery, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY USA.Dawson, M. (2022). France Marie. Cotton embroidery on linen. CAD Faculty Exhibition, Bevier Gallery, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY USA.

  3. Dawson, M. (2022). France Marie. Cotton embroidery on linen. CAD Faculty Exhibition, Bevier Gallery, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY USA.

  4. Dawson, M. (2022). Passementerie Play. Explorations in traditional passementerie weaving techniques using new materials. CAD Faculty Exhibition, Bevier Gallery, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY USA.

  5. Dawson, M. (2019). Explorations in Wet Felting. Three-dimensional wet-felted pieces made from merino, silk chiffon, and silk throwsters waste. CAD Faculty Exhibition, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York USA.

  6. Moukperian, M., Dunn, B., & Cormier, D. (September 2017). 3D Printed Weft Knitted Dress Prototype. Woman’s dress 3D printed of flexible filament in functional weft knit construction. CIAS Faculty Exhibition. Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York USA.

  7. Moukperian, M. (September 2017). Nuno felted scarf. Hand-dyed silk scarf with nuno felted merino wool. CIAS Faculty Exhibition. Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York USA.

Interviews, Media & Press Coverage

  1. “Vignelli Center for Design Studies. Summer Workshop 2023. Official Book,” Vignelli Center for Design Studies, Rochester, NY USA. Book and video published containing full documentation of Vignelli Summer Workshop. https://tinyurl.com/mv7vsh2t.

  2. “Vignelli-inspired regalia to debut at commencement,” RIT University News, Rochester, NY USA, May 2023. Article on redesigning a graduation gown through the Vignelli lens. https://www.rit.edu/news/vignelli-inspired-regalia-debut-commencement “Two RIT faculty members receive Fulbright U.S. Scholar Awards to conduct research abroad,” RIT University News, Rochester, NY USA, May 2021. Article on 2021 RIT Fulbright Faculty & Specialists. https://www.rit.edu/news/two-rit-faculty-members-receive-fulbright-us-scholar-awards-conduct-research-abroad

  3. “Two RIT faculty members receive Fulbright U.S. Scholar Awards to conduct research abroad,” RIT University News, Rochester, NY USA, May 2021. Article on 2021 RIT Fulbright Faculty & Specialists. https://www.rit.edu/news/two-rit-faculty-members-receive-fulbright-us-scholar-awards-conduct-research-abroad

  4. “Remington awarded Vignelli medal,” RIT University News, Rochester, NY USA, May 2020. Article on the design, development, and presentation of the Massimo and Lella Vignelli Distinguished Medal honoring retiring Distinguished Professor R. Roger Remington. https://www.rit.edu/news/remington-awarded-vignelli-medal

  5. “Bag Textile Designs,”" RIT RIT College of Art and Design News, Rochester, NY USA, December 2019. Article featuring Fall 2019 Junior ID Soft Studio I: Bag Design. https://www.rit.edu/artdesign/spotlights/bag-textile-designs

  6. “Designing Functional Clothing,”" RIT RIT College of Art and Design News, Rochester, NY USA, December 2019. Article featuring Fall 2019 Senior ID Soft Studio I: Apparel Design. https://www.rit.edu/artdesign/spotlights/designing-functional-clothing

  7. “Industrial design duo presents research on artisan innovation,” RIT College of Art and Design News, Rochester, NY USA, December 2019. Article highlighting Abracemos lo Nuestro research presentation at 2019 Cumulus conference in Bogotá, Colombia. https://www.rit.edu/artdesign/news/industrial-design-duo-presents-research-artisan-innovation

  8. “WOMEN EMPOWERED: Fashions from the Frontline,” The Cornell Costume & Textile Collection, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York USA. Interviewed for and quoted in the groundbreaking WOMEN EMPOWERED exhibit & program that received national press coverage. Exhibit dates: November 2018 – April 2019. https://events.cornell.edu/event/women_empowered_exhibit

  9. Ideation, Ideation and Communication interview, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York USA, October 2018. Recorded video interview for edX Design Thinking MicroMasters Program course.

  10. WantedDesign 2018 Wrap Up video. Wrap up video highlighting selected WantedDesign 2018 exhibits that was used for 2019 promotion. RIT Soft Studio appears at 0:53. www.wanteddesignnyc.com. https://vimeo.com/276463356

  11. Rochester Institute of Technology. (6/2018). RIT University News articles discussing & depicting Soft Studio participation in NYCxDesign 2018 were featured on main university and CIAS landing pages. www.rit.edu & cias.rit.edu (now cad.rit.edu)

  12. “Metropolis’s Top Design Moments at NYCxDesign,” Metropolis Editor, May 2018. A round up of various Metropolis editor’s favorite exhibits, including Soft Studio (with photo) and RIT Hope for Honduras booths. https://www.metropolismag.com/design/nycxdesign-2018-design-moments/

  13. “RIT at NYC Design Week 2018,” RIT University News Video, May 2018. Features WantedDesign IC 2018 booth footage as well as Melissa speaking to the foundation of good design. https://youtu.be/WkC8kbdixRk

  14. “RIT's large Design Week presence kicks off with difference-making exhibits,” RIT University News, May 2018. Features RIT Soft Studio, RIT’s Hope for Honduras, quotes, and photos. https://www.rit.edu/news/rits-large-design-week-presence-kicks-difference-making-exhibits

  15. “Design, engineering students exhibit at NYCxDESIGN,” R. Kiley for RIT University News, May 2018. Soft Studio & RIT Hope for Honduras booths at WantedDesign IC 2018 are discussed. https://www.rit.edu/news/design-engineering-students-exhibit-nycxdesign

  16. “Soon you may be able to 3D print clothing in your own home,” K. Baggely for www.nbc.com/MACH, February 2018. Melissa is the top quoted expert regarding the future of 3D printed clothing. https://tinyurl.com/ybejx9q8.

  17. “Researchers 3D Print Flexible Textiles for Development of Functional Objects, “ R. Ahmed for www.3Dprinting.com, July 2017. Stretching the Bounds research is favorably reviewed as having discovered better integration techniques for textiles & 3D printing. https://3dprinting.com/news/researchers-3d-print-flexible-textiles-for-development-of-functional-objects/

  18. “Carnegie Mellon research project combines 3D printing with embedded textiles,“ Benedict for www.3ders.org, July 2017. Stretching the Bounds research is favorably reviewed. http://www.3ders.org/articles/20170703-carnegie-mellon-research-project-combines-3d-printing-with-embedded-textiles.html

  19. “Research embeds textiles in 3D printing for functional, flexible parts,” C. Clarke for 3dprintingindustry.com, July 2017. Stretching the Bounds research is favorably reviewed. https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/research-embeds-textiles-3d-printing-functional-flexible-parts-117459/

  20. “Mechanical Metamaterials and Other 3D Printing Tech from CHI 2017,” E. Ackerman for IEEE Spectrum, May 2017. Stretching the Bounds is listed first in a list of “all the coolest 3D printing projects from CHI’17.” https://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/computing/hardware/mechanical-metamaterials-and-other-3d-printing-tech-from-chi-2017

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Grants & Awards

External Grants & Awards ($6000 funded)

US Department of Education, Clear Mask, 2023
Covid-19 Funding received by NTID to research and develop a clear mask that supports accessibility, compliance, and function. This effort includes benchmarking and assessing existing clear masks, expanding on current mask safety standards to include clear masks, and designing a clear mask prototype using said researched materials to meet safety standards.
Role: Co-PI

Fulbright Specialist Program, 2021-2025
Acceptance into program received August 2020, however program was on hold due to COVID-19 pandemic until January 2021. Due to pandemic restrictions, program has been extended from three to four years.

CNY Humanities Corridor, 2021-2022
Support received for working group: Decolonizing Fashion Studies: Rethinking Curriculum, Collections, and Creative Practice (VAC32), comprising faculty from Cornell University, Syracuse University, and RIT.

Cornell University, Ithaca, New York USA, June 2018
Secured donation of 8 child-size and 3 adult-size dress forms to RIT Soft Studio Lab

Autodesk, San Rafael, CA USA, May 2018
Funding awarded to cover booth cost at WantedDesign Brooklyn during 2018 NYCxDesign Week.

Alvanon, Inc., New York, New York USA, November 2017
Secured donation of 8 half-scale and 1 full-scale dress forms to RIT Soft Studio Lab

Internal Grants & Awards ($8300 funded)

Nominated for Gitner Family Prize for Outstanding Professional Achievement in Graphic Communications (not awarded).

Blackburg Scholarship Award, 2021.
Funding awarded to support RIT Soft Studio Senior ID Studio Spring 2021 coursework in conjunction with Vignelli Center for Design Studies.

Global Faculty Grant (period: 2020-2021)
RIT Global Office
Title of Proposal: RIT Soft Studio’s Abracemos lo Nuestro Project
Role: PI

Faculty Education and Development Grant (period: May – July 2018)
RIT College of Imaging Arts and Sciences
Title of Proposal: Soft Studio at NYC Design Week
Role: PI

RIT AMPrint Lab
Material printing costs covered for 3D Printed Weft Knit Prototype Dress, Fall 2016

Proposals In Progress

RIT UnWasted, Rochester, New York USA
Seeking funding to establish a CAD laboratory space dedicated to exploring, designing with, and creating materials that are climate positive through both circular economies and valorization of uncommon fiber sources and waste streams.
Role: PI

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Professional Development

Select Conference & Trade Show Attendance

  1. Workshop on Identifying Standards Needs to Facilitate a Circular Economy for Textiles (October 2023). ASTM, https://na.eventscloud.com/website/58724/d13_e60_oct2023_virtual_textilestandards-_wkshp/.

  2. WM Sustainability Forum (February 2022). WM, https://www.wm.com/us/en/inside-wm/sustainability-forum.

  3. TAPPICon VIRTUAL (May 2021). TAPPI, https://tappicon.org.

  4. Sustainability Deep Dive. (June 2020). IDSA, https://www.idsa.org/events/deep-dive/sustainability-deep-dive-2020.

  5. The Design After Cumulusbogotá. (October 2019). Held at Universidad de los Andes, School of Architecture and Design in Bogotá, Colombia.

  6. International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference. (October 2019). Las Vegas, Nevada USA.

  7. NETInc 2019. (April 2019). Innovative Nonwovens Conference held in conjunction with TAPPI’s 2019 PaperCon, Indianapolis, Indiana USA.

  8. Future of Design & Manufacturing Education Conference. (August 2017). Autodesk, San Francisco, California USA.

  9. NYCxDESIGN. (May 2018). New York, New York USA.

  10. International Contemporary Furniture Fair. (May 2018). New York, New York USA.

  11. WantedDesign Manhattan. (May 2018). New York, New York USA.

  12. WantedDesign Brooklyn. (May 2018). New York, NY USA.

  13. International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference. (November 2012). Honolulu, Hawaii USA.

  14. Costume Society of America Annual Symposium. (June 2012). Atlanta, Georgia USA.

  15. SURTEX. (February 2006, 2003). New York, New York USA.

  16. Première Vision. (September 2005). Paris, France.

  17. OutDoor Friedrichshafen. (July 2005). Friedrichshafen, Germany.

  18. Outdoor Retailer. (June 2005, January 2005, June 2004). Salt Lake City, Utah USA.

  19. Printsource New York. (April 2005). New York, New York USA.

  20. MAGIC Fashion Trade Show Las Vegas. (August 2004). Las Vegas, Nevada USA.

Select Continuing Education

  1. Professional Grant Development Training. (Spring 2023). Two-day online workshop through The Grant Training Center, Arlington, VA USA.

  2. Textile Coloration & Finishing Studies. (3 credits, Spring 2021). Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA USA. Grade earned: A.

  3. Industrial & Specialty Fabrics. (3 credits, Fall 2020). Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA USA. Grade earned: A.

  4. Textile Composites. (3 credits, Fall 2020). Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA USA. Grade earned: A.Sustainable Fibers for Nonwovens. (June 2020). Presented by Dr. Brian George for TAPPI's Nonwovens, Engineers, and Technologists (NET) Division, Peachtree, GA USA. Webinar.

  5. Nonwovens 2020: Adjusting to the Health and Hygiene Future. (May 2020). Presented by Nonwovens Industry, Montvale, NJ USA. Webinar.

  6. MTSE 701: Polymer Science. (3 credits, Spring 2020). Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY USA. Grade received: A.

  7. Personnel Protection Using Textile Substrates. (April 2020). Presented by Dr. Seshadri Ramkumar for TAPPI's Nonwovens, Engineers, and Technologists (NET) Division, Peachtree, GA USA. Webinar.

  8. Textures & Dimensions. (May – June 2019). Six-week online course taught by internationally-renown felting artist Pam de Groot of Blue Mountains, Australia.

  9. Surface Form & Space. (April – May 2019). Eight-week online course taught by internationally-renown felting artist Pam de Groot of Blue Mountains, Australia.

  10. Magic Leap & Autodesk Interactive Workshop. (April 2019). Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY USA.

  11. Digital Tools for a More Accessible and Collaborative Classroom. (November 2018). Teachers on Teaching Series, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY USA.

  12. 3D Printing/Design Faculty Workshop (May 2017). Autodesk & School of Design, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY USA.

  13. Functional Apparel Design Teaching Workshop (July 2016). Cornell University, Ithaca, NY USA.

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Teaching Experience

Rochester Institute of Technology
Industrial Design, College of Art and Design
Rochester, NY USA


Undergraduate Courses

Sophomore ID Studio II: Soft Goods (Required, 3 credits)
Spring 2015. 13 students.

Junior ID Studio I: Bag Design (Required, 3 credits)
Fall 2014-2022. 15-18 students per term.

Junior ID Studio II: Various Topics (Required, 3 credits)
Topics: Soft Toys: Marionettes, ROC Fashion Week, VetoProPac, Home Goods
Spring 2016, 2018-2020, 2023. 12-7 students per term.

Senior ID Studio I: Apparel Design (Required, 3 credits)
Fall 2018-2022. 11-16 students per term.

Senior ID Studio I: Various Topics (Required, 3 credits)
Topics: RIT Hope for Honduras – KMC Devices, Toy Design, Play with Purpose
Fall 2015-2017. 12-18 students per term

Senior ID Studio II: Various Topics (Required, 3 credits)
Topics: National Parks Service, Pet Product Design, Footwear, Medical Devices, On the Body
Spring 2015-2021. 12-20 students per term.

The Studio 2.0: RITxROC Runway (Elective, 3 credits)
Spring 2022. 10 BFA ID students & 4 BFA Metals students.

Undergraduate Industrial Design Independent Study (Elective, 3 credits)
Fall 2018. H. Giancola – Explorations of Textiles & Materials.
Spring 2018. H. Lutz, E. Effinger, K. Malone, K. Bolland & M. Vullo - Continued development of KMC preemie wraps for RIT Hope for Honduras.
Spring 2017. A. Haustor – Exploring the Sewn Form in Ceramics.

Graduate Courses

Design Laboratory I: Soft Studio (Required, 3 credits)
Topics: Beyond Fashion, Acoustic Felt Products, UnWasted Resources, Headwear
Fall 2017-2019, 2021. 6-12 MFA ID students per term.

Design Laboratory II: Activating the Archives: Soft Studio, Vignelli (6 credits)
Spring 2017. Co-developed and co-taught with Josh Owen. 19 MFA ID students.

Graduate ID Studio I & II: Play with Purpose (Required, 3 credits)
Spring 2021-2022, Fall 2023. 8-17 MFA ID students per term.

Graduate Industrial Design Independent Study (Elective, 3 credits)
Spring 2019. A. Gonzalez – Designing Handbags with Paraguayan Textiles.
Spring 2019. T. Monica – Pet Product Design.
Fall 2018, T. Monica – Functional Apparel Design.
Spring 2018. B. Murphy – Footwear Design.
Spring 2018. D. Gabber – Integrating Textiles & Ceramics.
Fall 2017. B. Murphy – Footwear Design & Exploration.


RIT edX COURSES

RITx Design Thinking MicroMasters: Prototyping & User Feedback
January 2019 – present. Currently in its tenth offering, with over 5,900 students enrolled.


Previous Courses

All About Color, 4-H Explorations Conference
Fiber Science & Apparel Design, Cornell University, Summer 2012
Co-developed & co-taught with three other FSAD faculty & graduate students for 20 middle school 4-H members

Apparel Design Studio VI (Required, 3 credits), University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
Apparel Design Department, College of Design, St. Paul, MN USA
Spring 2011. 18 undergraduate students.

Invited Lectures, Talks & Critiques

  1. What is Industrial Design? Guest Lecture. Product Innovation course for first year honors engineering students. Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY USA. April 2021 and 2022.

  2. Creative Problem Solving – Market Research. Guest Lecture. Creative Problem Solving: Ideation, Iteration, and Communication course for STEM students. Cornell University, Ithaca, NY USA, March 2021. Zoom.

  3. Textiles: Properties, Printing & 3D Printing. Guest Lecture. Department of Media Arts & Technology, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY USA, March 2018.

  4. Sunday Design Panel member. Thought at Work Conference, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY USA, 2017-2019.

  5. Textiles for Interior Designers. Guest Lecture. Department of Interior Design, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY USA, September 2017.

  6. Invited consultant/expert to HCN 720: Prototyping Wearable and Internet of Things Devices. Department of Information Sciences & Technologies and Computer Science, Golisano College of Computing & Information Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY USA, November 2016.

  7. Anthropometrics and Apparel Design. Guest Lecture. Department of Industrial Design, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY USA, April 2014.

  8. FSAD 2660 Product Development Final Critique. Invited Critic. Department of Fiber Science & Apparel Design, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY USA, May 2013.

  9. Product Development Calendars: Timing & Action in Industry. Guest Lecture. Department of Fiber Science & Apparel Design, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY USA, April 2012.

  10. Printed Textiles: Design, Sampling & Production. Guest Lecture. Department of Fiber Science & Apparel Design, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY USA, March 2012.

  11. Product Design & Management in the Apparel Industry. Guest Lecture. Department of Fiber Science & Apparel Design, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY USA, February 2012.

  12. Portfolio Development Workshop, Invited Critic. Department of Apparel Design, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN USA, March 2011.

Working Groups

  1. Decolonizing Fashion Studies: Rethinking Curriculum, Collections, and Creative Practice (VAC32). CNY Humanities Corridor, 2021-2022.
    Within fashion studies education and scholarship, we seek to identify ways to dismantle racism, classism, sexism, ableism, ageism, xenophobia, transphobia, and fatphobia in curriculum, university teaching collections, and creative design practice. Group members: C. Asztalos, Syracuse University; J. Byfield, Cornell University; M. Dawson, Rochester Institute of Technology; M. Farwell, Cornell University; D. Green, Cornell University; J. Mayer, Syracuse University; K. Schoonmaker, Syracuse University.

Undergraduate Student Advising & Mentorship

RIT Senior Capstone Projects Mentor

  1. Nie, X. (2023). Para tech apparel.

  2. Barbero, G. (2022). Hiking pack with Infant Carrier.

  3. Ohara, L. (2022). OBA: A personal grocery trolley for the city dweller.

  4. Shealy, D. (2021). Chickadee Children’s Clothing brand.

  5. Kablack, K. (2021). Lacrosse mask.

  6. Keenan, C. (2020). United Colt Clothing Line.

  7. Herndon, N. (2020). Mod Moc 2020 shoe.

  8. Flynn, N. (2020). Power Armor.

  9. Kelly, G. (2020). Adaptable Neoprene Sneaker.

  10. Jennings, L. (2020). Repose Clothing Collection.

  11. Goldberg, R. (2020). Bindle – Convertible Backpack Tent.

  12. Oumzil, I. (2020). Sonnet 60 Menswear Collection.

  13. Giancola, H. (2019). Women’s workwear.

  14. Gillmor, K. (2019). Sustainable Clothing.

  15. Krogh, L. (2019). Print Design.

  16. Cohen, D. (2018). Talus: 3D Printed Athletic Footwear.

  17. Rintels, E. (2018). Driver-Passenger Distracted Driving.

  18. Hausthor, A. (2018). SewnSolid.

  19. Vullo, M. (2018). Stitch Fix.

  20. Zaridze, R. (2017). Sensitive Clothing.

  21. Rosenbrien, C. (2017). Collapsible camping vessels.

  22. Bartholomew, M. (2017). IPad table harness for autistic children.

RIT Undergraduate Capstone Committee Member

  1. Nguyen, N. (2020-2021). Acoustic Wall Panels. BFA Interior Design program.

Undergraduate Design Scholarship, Exhibitions & Recognition

  1. Maxwell, C. & Dawson, M. Vignelli Graduation Cap and Gown. First iteration worn by Vignelli Distinguished Professor of Design and Director of the Vignelli Center for Design Studies Josh Owen at the 2023 Commencement Ceremonies for RIT’s College of Art and Design. Cap, gown, and development documentation accessioned into the Vignelli Center for Design Studies Archive. Second iteration developed for continued wear by Josh Owen. Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY USA.

  2. Godwin, G., Smith, N., Martinez, D., Szerbacki, C., Zhao, K. (2022). Modeled Soft Studio garments in Vignelli Center for Design Studies Beyond Fashion event.

  3. Maxwell, C., Gallant, K., Shin, R., Xu, L. (2022). Garments showcased in opening night of 2022 Fashion Week Rochester.

  4. McDowell, J. (2021). OnTop: Topical medical marijuana treatment patch. 1st Place in RIT Tiger Tank 2021.

  5. Smallwood, S. (2022). Garment used as RIT marketing image for Fashion Week Rochester ad.

  6. Shealy. D. (2021). Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals (CBYX) fellowship. Washington, D.C. USA & Berlin, Germany.
    RIT Press article: https://www.rit.edu/news/recent-design-alumna-earns-fellowship-study-germany.

  7. Hollasch, S. (2021). Psyche Inspired Nickel Class final exhibition of work. Psyche Inspired program, Arizona, USA. https://psyche.asu.edu/get-involved/psyche-inspired/psyche-inspired-sam-hollasch/

  8. Yasuda, M. (January 2020). Most Diverse Team Award. Kent State Fashion/Tech Hackathon, Kent, Ohio, USA.

  9. Barletta, F. (February 2019). Fabric Shelf. RIT ID T-Minus for Ugandan Water Project. Maker’s Faire: Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

  10. Sorenson, A. (January 2019). Team Stride. Most Market/Venture Potential Mentorship Award. Kent State Fashion/Tech Hackathon, Kent, Ohio, USA.

  11. Lutz, H., Effinger, E., Bolland, K., Malone, K., & Vullo, M. (October 2018). Abracito. On display for FRAMfest. University Gallery, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York, USA.

  12. Briceno, A., Dziama, P., Giancola, H., Klofft, S., Negron, L., Rocchio, M., Santoso, V., Yip, S. & Zaridze, R. (May 2018). Soft Studio at NYCxDesign. Co-curated with Josh Owen, a collection of 10 prototypes representing different explorations in ID Soft Studio courses. WantedDesign Brooklyn at NYCxDesign, Brooklyn, New York, USA.

  13. Lutz, H., Effinger, E., Bolland, K., Malone, K., & Vullo, M. (May 2018). Abracito. Neo-natal support devices for preemies & micro-preemies in the NICU at Hospital Escuela in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. WantedDesign Brooklyn at NYCxDesign, Brooklyn, New York, USA.

  14. Hausthor, A. (April – May 2018). Sewn Solid. Thesis exhibition. Main Street Arts Gallery in Clifton Springs, New York, USA.

  15. Cohen, D. (February 2018). Odin. Durable biking backpack with integrated 3D printed armor. Behind the Bricks – Tigers of RIT – David Cohen, Rochester, New York, USA.

  16. Groves, C., & Engel, N. (April 2017). Portable IV Bag and Holter Harness. Two undergraduate student designs chosen by Fieldtex Products, Inc. to be professionally sampled and used for sales & promotional materials. Fieldtex Products, Inc., Rochester, New York, USA.

  17. ID Soft Studio Seniors (December 2015). Play with Purpose. Co-curated with Lori Resch, educational soft toy prototypes exhibited by 18 senior ID students during the Grand Opening of the Build! Drive! Go! exhibit. The Strong: National Museum of Play, Rochester, New York, USA.

  18. Capron, A., Donath, D., Dupont, A., Keyes, B., & Mokoski, H. (July 2015). Hello, World: Recent Student Work from the School of Design. Collection of bag prototypes developed in IDDE 502 (S2015) chosen to represent the Industrial Design department. Gallery r, Rochester, New York, USA.

Graduate Student Advisement & Mentorship

Graduate Research Assistants

  1. Balasubramanian, V. (2023). NASAD Accreditation prep, RIT Web presence.

  2. Knight, A. (2021-2023). RIT Soft Studio research support, including grant and funding writing.

  3. Treacy, A. (2019-2021). RIT Soft Studio research support. Research & documentation of the Vignelli clothing collection in the Vignelli Center for Design Studies archive.

  4. Guerrero, M. G. (2018-2020). Development, organization, and maintenance of RIT Soft Studio Lab. Research support for Soft Studio design scholarship.

  5. Gonzalez Esteche, A. (2018-2019). Research support for RIT Hope for Honduras Abracito and RIT Soft Studio’s Abracemos lo Nuestro scholarship.

  6. Chen, K. (2017-2018). Classroom support for RIT Hope for Honduras KMC support devices development and research support for ceramic/textile scholarship.

  7. Liu, M. (2017). Research support for 3D printing/textiles scholarship.

Graduate Thesis Committee Member

  1. Gonzalez Esteche, A. (2018-2019). Industrial Design strategies to enhance the value of Paraguayan artisans’ textiles. MFA Industrial Design, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY USA May 2019.

  2. Benson, B. (2018-2019). BLINC: Design Bicycle Path Protection for Accessible Transportation Networks. M.Arch, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY USA May 2019.

  3. Fok, G. (2014-2015). Journey Design. MFA Industrial Design, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY USA May 2015.

Graduate Thesis Mentor

  1. Gabber, D. (2017-2019). Inspecting Tradition. MFA Ceramics, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY USA May 2019.

  2. Bromm, T. (2015). Sunder Axe: Encouraging Habit and Safe Use. MFA Industrial Design, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY USA May 2015.

RIT Graduate Studio 930 Faculty Mentor

  1. Sensory Toys (2020). Soft toys for autistic children to promote sensory development.

  2. Lev (2017-2018). Lift harness for paraplegics.

  3. ThermApparel (2016). Cooling apparel for MS patients. Project has expanded into a start-up company currently in production, with continued affiliation with Rochester Institute of Technology through RIT’s technology business incubator, Venture Creations.

Graduate Student Design Scholarship, Exhibitions & Recognition

  1. Knight, A. (2023). Recipient of Outstanding Graduate Student Award, awarded annually to an MFA, MS or MST candidate in the College of Art and Design. Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester NY USA.

  2. Ferrucio, T. (2021). Selected as one of three 2021 Graduate Student Merit Award recipients. Featured portfolio project, Meli Swing, completed in 2019 Graduate Idea Lab: Soft Studio. Industrial Designers Society of America, Herndon, Virginia USA.

  3. Gonzalez Esteche, A. (June 2020). Placed third in the 2020 Herbert W. Vanden Brul Student Entrepreneurial Award competition through RIT’s Saunders College of Business, Rochester, New York, USA.

  4. Ferrucio Ferreira, T. (January 2020). Meli Swing. Invited to exhibit at 2020 Milan Design Week in April 2020 by Lambrate Design District, Milan, Italy.

  5. Gonzalez Esteche, A. (January 2020). Smart Filtration-Infused Knitwear. Evolution St. Louis Award for best fashion project that utilizes knit techniques to solve a sustainability or social justice challenge. $1000 cash prize. Kent State Fashion/Tech Hackathon, Kent, Ohio, USA.

  6. Gabber, D. (February – March 2019). Six Porcelain Bowls. Fiberlicious. Loading Dock Gallery, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA.

  7. Gabber, D. (November 2018). Six Fabric Bowls. 18th Annual Memorial Art Gallery Fine Craft Show and Sale. Memorial Art Gallery, Rochester, New York, USA.

  8. Gabber, D. (November 2018). Ceramic textile piece. Good things…come in small packages exhibit. Flower City Arts Center, Rochester, New York, USA.

  9. Gabber, D. (May 2018). Soft Studio at NYCxDesign. Co-curated with Josh Owen, a collection of 10 prototypes representing different explorations in ID Soft Studio courses. WantedDesign Brooklyn at NYCxDesign, Brooklyn, New York, USA.

  10. Chen, X., Engel, N., Gebre, M., He, L., & Liu, M. (April 2018). Merg – The bag for eliminating travel anxiety. Prototype developed in IDDE 702 (Spring 2017) was chosen to be featured on crowdfunding site, DesignNest.

  11. First Year Industrial Design MFA Students. (May 2017). Activating the Archives: Soft Studio, Vignelli. Exhibition of process and final prototypes from S2017 IDDE 702 Idea Lab II course during Imagine RIT. Vignelli Center for Design Studies, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York, USA.

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Service

University Service

  1. Planning committee for Performing Arts Building Costume Shop, 2021-present.

  2. Planning committee for SHED Textile Space, 2020-present.

  3. Panelist, Pathways to RIT: Art and Design Edition, 2022.

  4. RIT Admissions video interview and recording, 2020.

  5. Co-Advisor, RIT’s Biodesign Challenge, 2019-2020.

  6. Co-Author & Lead, edX Design Thinking offering – Prototyping & User Feedback, 2018-2019.

  7. Committee Member, ARCHIVFEST Conference planning committee, 2017-2019.

  8. Advisor/Consultant, RIT Saunders Summer Startup program, 2016-2018.

Select College & School Service

  1. Portfolio Reviewer, National Portfolio Day Boston, 2023

  2. CAD Represetative for Pathways to RIT Webinar, 2023.

  3. Organizer, RIT involvement in Fashion Week Rochester, 2021-2022.

  4. Organizing Board Member, VCDS Beyond Fashion event, 2021-2022.

  5. Design and Fabrication Committee for the Massimo and Lella Vignelli Distinguished Medal, College of Art & Design, 2020.

  6. Fabrication Processes Instructional Support Specialist Search Committee Member, College of Art & Design, 2020.

  7. Portfolio Reviewer, MFA National Portfolio Day, 2020.

  8. Operations Manager Search Committee Member, College of Art & Design, 2019.

  9. Fab Lab Specialist Search Committee Member, College of Art & Design, 2020.

  10. Tour Guide, School of Design Accepted Student Open House, 2017-2019.

  11. Co-organizer & event moderator, Women In Design industry panel, 2019.

  12. Portfolio Reviewer, National Portfolio Day NYC, 2017-2018.

  13. Portfolio Reviewer, School of Design Open House & Portfolio Review, 2017.

Select Department Service

  1. Program Director, Industrial Design BFA, 2023-present.

  2. Organizer, RIT ID Alumni Outreach, 2022-present.

  3. Program Co-Director, Industrial Design BFA, 2022-2023.

  4. Co-Organizer, T-Minus, 2022.

  5. Faculty Advisor, IDSA RIT Student Chapter, 2019-present.

  6. TT Industrial Design Faculty Search Committee Member, School of Design, 2020-2021.

  7. What is Industrial Design? Guest Lecturer for product Innovation course for RIT first year honors engineering students, April 2021. Zoom.

  8. Worked to bring BioDesign Challenge to RIT, culminating in two junior ID studio courses being taught in spring 2021, 2019-2020.

  9. Represented ID department for RIT’s Girls in STEM Saturday workshop, 2020.

  10. Collaborated with Will Tracey and Wegmans distribution center to help secure the donation of three pallets of organic, anti-microbial jersey for Soft Studio use, 2019.

  11. Traveled to Vignelli storage barn to retrieve Vignelli clothing, prototypes, and additional artifacts, 2019

  12. Project Advisor & Judge, T-Minus Project: Ugandan Water Project, 2019.

  13. Established and equipped Soft Studio Lab space in Booth 4340, 2018.

  14. Donation Acquisition, eight child-size and three adult-size Wolf dress forms from Cornell University, 2018.

  15. RIT ID Soft Studio at WantedDesign IC exhibit exposed RIT ID to 15,000+ attendees at NYCxDesign, 2018.

  16. Donation Acquisition, 8 new half-scale dress forms and one new full size child form from Alvanon, 2017.

  17. Portfolio Reviewer, Thought at Work Conference, 2016-2017.

  18. Materials library development with Graham Carson, 2016-2017.

Select Professional Service

  1. Textile Council member, NYSAR3, 2023-present.

  2. W4R: Women for Reduction, Reuse, Recycling, and Rethinking Strategies for Managing Materials Member, 2022-present.

  3. Raw Materials & Equipment Committee Member, TAPPI, USA, 2019-present.

  4. Board of Advisors, ThermApparel LLC, Rochester, NY USA, 2016-present.

  5. Consultant, Textile Printing & Product Design, Rochester, NY USA, 2011-present.

  6. Director, SewGreen@Rochester Board of Directors, Rochester, NY USA, 2021-2023.

  7. Team Mentor & Judge, Kent State Fashion/Tech Hackathon, Kent, NY USA, 2019-2022.

  8. STEM Volunteer, Lima Primary Maker’s Faire, Lima, NY USA, 2019.

  9. Invited Juror, 100 American Craftsmen Show, Kenan Center, Lockport, NY USA, 2019.

  10. Demonstrator & Volunteer, Lima Primary Maker’s Faire, Lima, NY USA, 2018.

  11. STEM Volunteer, Creekside Nursery School, Honeoye Falls, NY USA, 2018.

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Industry Experience

2011, Print Designer

Target Corporation, Minneapolis, MN USA
Hardlines Product Design & Development – Trend Design Team

  • Developed seasonal pattern collections for Domestics including bedding, decorative home, stationary, patio, window & bath products

  • Researched color & print trends for design presentations and universal color palettes for Target-Owned Brands and Simply Shabby Chic

  • Traveled domestically to research pattern & trend as well as comp-shopped competitors and benchmark brands

2007-2011, Print Designer

Target Corporation, Minneapolis, MN USA
Hardlines Product Design & Development – Domestics Team

  • Created and prepared manufacture-ready files for both all-over & engineered textile prints, including screen separations for vendor use on complex & tonal print files

  • Reviewed, commented and approved vendor submitted development samples

  • Worked with the Cross Functional Team to propose cost viable product solutions

  • Owned and researched vendor print capabilities to make educated recommendations to sourcing partners for strategic business placement

  • Traveled annually to Asia to strengthen vendor relationships, work through print related manufacturing issues & reduce number of sample rounds

2006-2007, Textile & Soft Goods Designer

KidsLine LLC, South Gate, CA USA
Design Department

  • Designed bedding & room décor for nursery ensembles, including quilts, sheets, blankets, bumpers, dust ruffles, rugs, wall art and other accessories

  • Designed textile prints, appliqués, and embroideries to complete collections

  • Created original prints & graphics as well as worked with licensed characters & artwork

  • Selected and approved fabrics, embroidery threads, and colors for final production

  • Traveled domestically to meet with customers to develop custom collections

  • Attended domestic trade shows to gather competitive research and new market innovations

2004 – 2006, Textile Designer

Malden Mills Industries, Inc. (now Polartec LLC), Lawrence, MA USA
Design Department

  • Produced surface designs as well as jacquard knit designs for a variety of technical applications & bases, for both openline and custom developments

  • Traveled globally to work directly with customers for custom project development

  • Researched color, print, and fabric trends both domestically & internationally

  • Designed and created custom pattern, design & trend boards, as well as seasonal color palettes

  • Authorized to approve color standards for all sampling

  • Coordinated product line with product management and the Sample Room

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