Jia Wu, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Jia Wu headshot
Contact

Address
372E Spidle Hall
Auburn, AL 36849

Phone
(334) 844-4654

Email
jzw0280@auburn.edu


CURRICULUM VITAE
Education
Ph.D., University of Missouri, 2024, Textile and Apparel Management
M.A., Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, 2008, Fashion Design and Engineering
B.A., Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, 2005, Fashion Design and Engineering
Summary
Dr. Wu’s scholarly accomplishments emphasize interdisciplinary and industry collaborations in functional apparel, primarily focusing on usercentered apparel design research. Her scholarship, consisting of research and creative activities, is both independent and collaborative and focuses on three key areas: (1) using 3D technologies to design and develop inclusive clothing for marginalized and underserved populations; (2) adopting an interdisciplinary research approach to advance functional apparel design and development; (3) leveraging the digital transformation of the fashion industry to facilitate mass customization of inclusive clothing. Her creative activities are often inspired by her practical experience in the apparel industry, catering to user and market needs, including innovative approaches to patterns, materials, motion sensors, and 3D technologies. Prior to joining Auburn University in 2024, Dr. Wu held management positions at a pioneering digital apparel manufacturing company and a fashion institute in China for 11 years, demonstrating her deep dedication and passion for the field in which she works. In classrooms, she utilizes her professional experience and interaction with students to integrate real-world situations and challenges into the course content, projects, and related assignments to better prepare students for their future careers. She has co-authored 5 peer-reviewed full-length research papers, 4 juried design exhibits tied with her research program, 1 invited design exhibition, 1 book chapter, and 9 international and national conference presentations. In addition, she received 2 internal grants and several awards for her research and creative contributions during her doctoral studies. Lastly, Dr. Wu eagerly embraces new challenges, dedicates herself to understanding emerging trends, and is passionate about sharing her insights with the next generation.
Selected Publications
Wu. J., Kopot. C., & Zhao. L. (Under Second Revision). Sustaining Competitive Advantages in the Apparel Industry through Inter-Functional Coordination in the Digital Transformation Era – An Exploratory Case Study. Clothing and Textiles Research Journal.

McBee-Black, K., Rana, M. R. I., Ipaye, H.,Wu. J., & Burns, C. (2024). Intimate Apparel Challenges and Consumer Satisfaction among Female and Non-binary People with Disabilities: An Exploratory Study to Formulate Future Research Opportunities. Fashion Practice, 1-23. https://doi.org/10.1080/17569370.2024.2312928
Honors and Awards
• University of Missouri 40th Research & Creative Activities Forum conference, 3rd Place Award in the Humanities & Applied Design category (2024).
• ITAA Sara Douglas Fellowship for Professional Promise: Doctoral Student Award (2023).
• University of Missouri Entrepreneur Quest (EQ) elevator pitch competition, 3rd Place Award (2023).
• University of Missouri Lee Henson Access Mizzou Award (2023). (Honor two students who contribute to the inclusion at Mizzou and beyond)
• University of Missouri Research Development Award (2023).
• University of Missouri Research and Innovation Achievement Forum, 1st Place Award in the applied design category (2023).
• University of Missouri 39th Research & Creative Activities Forum conference, 2nd Place Award in the Social Sciences category (2023).