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JIA WU, PhD 

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
Consumer and Design Sciences, Auburn University

 

“Driving digital transformation in fashion, empowering those with unique needs” 


- Dr. Jia Wu

ABOUT DR. JIA WU

 

In the digital era, transformative technologies are reshaping the apparel industry, from enhancing the functionality of individual garments to enabling mass customization. These shifts go beyond the mainstream (able-bodied) market, fundamentally changing how the industry engages with underserved sectors, including healthcare and people with disabilities. At the forefront of this revolution, Dr. Jia Wu’s research in wearable/ adaptive apparel is spearheading these innovations, poised to help the future of the apparel industry. 

Before joining Auburn University in 2024, Dr. Wu spent over 11 years in the apparel industry, holding key management roles at a premier digital apparel manufacturer (covering fabric mills, manufacturing, branding, and wholesale) and a leading fashion institute in China (responsible for managing fashion conferences, shows, internships, and funding). Her academic endeavors reflect a strong commitment to advancing wearable/adaptive apparel through interdisciplinary research and industry partnerships. Dr. Wu’s approach is to leverage cutting-edge digital technologies to address underserved market needs, including 3D body scanning, 3D printing, 3D virtual prototyping, bio-textiles, and motion sensors. 

 

Dr. Wu's research is centered on three main areas: (1) utilizing digital technologies and bio sensors to develop wearable/ adaptive clothing for underserved populations; (2) exploring the feasibility of mass customization for adaptive apparel; and (3) analyzing the behaviors of underserved consumers and the dynamics of the adaptive apparel market. Her contributions to the field are reflected in numerous international and national peer-reviewed research papers, juried design exhibitions, and presentations at major conferences (See Dr. Wu’s publications).  

Looking ahead, based on strong academic and industry expertise, Dr. Wu's research team is dedicated to extending the reach of digital applications into underserved markets. Their efforts are aimed at enhancing industries that serve these consumers and at improving overall consumer quality of life. Dr. Wu and her team welcome collaboration with partners from the private and public sectors, as well as multidisciplinary scholars, to join them in forging a better future for underserved populations. 

Selected Projects

Period Underwear for People with Disabilities .jpg

Period Underwear

for People with Disabilities 

An innovative project designing adaptive period underwear tailored to the unique needs of individuals with disabilities, focusing on comfort, accessibility, and sustainability.

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Designers’ Role

in the Digital Apparel Industry

This project explores how designers adapt and redefine their roles to drive innovation and creativity in the digital transformation of the apparel industry. 

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   Intimate Apparel Challenges among Female and Non-binary People with Disabilities .jpg

Exploring the unique challenges in intimate apparel and enhancing consumer satisfaction for female and non-binary individuals with disabilities through inclusive design and innovation.

 

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Improving Inter-functional Coordination in Digital Apparel Companies  -creation

Exploring how digital transformation enhances inter-functional coordination in apparel companies through a case study in China. 

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Functional Outdoor Jacket for Generation Z Wheelchair Users 

Developing a functional outdoor jacket tailored to Generation Z wheelchair users by addressing their functional, expressive, and aesthetic needs. 

 

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Areas of Expertise

Education

2024

Ph.D. in  Textile and Apparel Management 

University of Missouri

2008

M.S. in  Fashion Art and Design 

Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology 

2005

B.S. in  Apparel Design and Product Development 

Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology 

Honors and Awards

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3rd Place Award in the Humanities & Applied Design Category, 2024 Research & Creative Activities Forum Conference, University of Missouri

Sara Douglas Fellowship for Professional Promise: Doctoral Student Award, 2023 International Textile & Apparel Association Annual Conference.

3rd Place Award, 2023  Entrepreneur Quest (EQ) Elevator Pitch Competition, University of Missouri ​

Lee Henson Access Mizzou Award, 2023 University of Missouri

1st Place Award in the Applied Design Category, 2023 Research and Innovation Achievement Forum, University of Missouri

2nd Place Award in the Social Sciences Category, 2023 Research & Creative Activities Forum Conference, University of Missouri

Professional Experience

2020 - 2021

Vice President

Qingdao Fashion Research Institute affiliated to Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, China  

2017 - 2020

General Manager

HN Manufacturing Technology Co., Ltd. China. 

2010 - 2020

Designer/ Design Director

HN Manufacturing Technology Co., Ltd. China. 

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