Jia Wu, Ph.D.

Jia Wu, Ph.D.

  • Assistant Professor
jzw0280@auburn.edu
3008 Haley Center
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Jia Wu, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Department of Consumer and Design Sciences at Auburn University. Her research focuses on sensor-informed, technology-integrated wearable apparel development systems and explores how these systems can be scaled into mass personalization models for industry implementation.

Education

  • Ph.D.University of Missouri, Columbia, MO

  • M.A.Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, Beijing, China

  • B.A. Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, Beijing, China

Professional Experience

Academic Experience 

  • Assistant Professor, Department of Consumer and Design Sciences, College of Human Sciences, Auburn University | 2024–Present

Innovation

Refereed Journal Articles

McBee-Black, K., & Wu, J. (2026). 'It felt like a hug': The wear testing of a weighted Champion hoodie to assess comfortability, fit and mobility. International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1080/17543266.2026.2688313

Wu, J., Lansdell, L., & McBee-Black, K. (2026). Inclusive user-centered design for menstrual health: Developing adaptive period underwear for women wheelchair users. Clothing and Textiles Research Journal. https://doi.org/10.1177/0887302X261443657

Sun, X., Wu, J., & Zhao, L. (2026). Evaluation and advancement of the students' artificial intelligence literacy through toolkit-based teaching instruction in fashion merchandising education. International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education, 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1080/17543266.2026.2688309

Wu, J., Kopot, C., & Zhao, L. (2025). 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, 43(4), 273-287. https://doi.org/10.1177/0887302X251338313

Lee, J. E., & Wu, J. (2025). Humanizing brands through inclusive marketing: The role of social judgements and anthropomorphism in luxury and non-luxury branding. Fashion and Textiles, 12(1), 38. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40691-025-00444-9

Peer-Reviewed Book Chapter

Wu, J., Yu, R., & Chen, P. (2026). Smart apparel for continuous healthcare monitoring: Textile biosensing, AI-driven design, and digital manufacturing. In AI-Integrated Biosensors and Microfluidic Systems for Smart Healthcare. American Chemical Society

Juried Design Exhibits

Wu, J. (2026). Development of an adaptive ski jacket for downhill sit skiers: Integrating motion sensor data with biomechanical analysis. International Textile and Apparel Association, Jacksonville, FL. Acceptance rate: 39.3%.

Wu, J., & *Lansdell, L. E. (2025). Development and evaluation of adaptive period underwear for women wheelchair users. International Textile and Apparel Association, St. Louis, MO. Acceptance rate: 36.5%.

Wu, J., McBee-Black, K., & Zhao, L. (2023). Developing a functional, expressive, and aesthetic outdoor jacket for Generation Z wheelchair users. International Textile and Apparel Association, Baltimore, MD. Acceptance rate: 54%.

Wu, J., & McBee-Black, K. (2022). Functional period underwear for people with disabilities. International Textile and Apparel Association, Denver, CO. Acceptance rate: 43%.

Invited Non-Refereed Design Exhibitions

Wu, J. (2025). An adaptive outdoor jacket for wheelchair users. Showcase 2025, Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, Auburn University, Auburn, AL.

Honors and Awards

Teaching Excellence

  • 2025 - 1st Place, Nancy Rutherford Teaching Innovation Award, International Textile and Apparel Association Conference ($500)

  • 2025 - Faculty Advisor, AATCC C2C Student Design & Merchandising Competition, Third Place ($500)

  • 2025 - Faculty Advisor, FSF Scholarship Recipient ($10,000)

  • 2025 - Faculty Advisor, FSF & Virgil Abloh™ "Post-Modern" Scholarship Recipient($10,000)

  • 2025 - Faculty Advisor, CADS 3970 Project approved for Tiger Giving Day 2026 (Goal: $10,000)

Research Excellence

  • 2026 - Margaret Rucker Paper of Distinction Award. International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference, Jacksonville, FL.

  • 2025 - Paper of Distinction Award, ITAA Conference (Pedagogy & Professional Development Track)

  • 2025 - 1st Place, Launch Your Social Impact Competition, Auburn University ($1,500)

  • 2025 - Auburn Research Communications Fellow, Auburn University

Grants

Grants Funded

Wu, J. (PI), Chen, P., & Lee, Y. A. (2025-2027). Healthcare apparel innovation: Functional textile-based sensor system development using writable bioink technology. Research Support Program, Auburn University. $50,000.

Wu, J. (PI), & Lee, Y. A. (2025). Immersive VR presentation: Developing a virtual fashion show experience by integrating VR technology into apparel design curriculum. Auburn Immersive Learning Experiences Program (AUX), Auburn University. $34,936.11.

Wu, J. (PI). (2025). Handheld 3D body scanner for inclusive design in computer-aided apparel courses. Daniel F. Breeden Endowed Grant Program, Auburn University. $4,000.