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

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.

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

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.

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.
Areas of Expertise

Utilizing digital technologies and bio sensors to develop wearable/ adaptive clothing for underserved population

Exploring the feasibility of mass customization for adaptive apparel
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
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.