Mankirat Kaur's Introduction
I'm a passionate learner, trilingual, and a natural creator with a curious mindset and the ability to learn quickly. I have a deep interest in research, innovation, and design. I am driven by a strong commitment to shaping an ethical and sustainable future in the fashion industry.
From fashion’s impact on self-esteem to calling out luxury brands on their CSR red flags, and mapping the chaos of Indian apparel shoppers while advancing apparel design pedagogy, I’ve worked on it all. I read, I write, I question, I obsess. Honestly? That’s pretty much what I do.
Education
Illinois State University
Dec 2024
Master of Science in Fashion Design and Merchandising (3.78 GPA)
Certifications
Educational, Social, and Behavioural Research with Human Subjects
CITI Training
Writing & Publishing a Research Paper
Kurshid Sherani and RJ Trucks
Sustainable fashion
Copenhagen Business School
Diploma in Luxury Brand Management
London School of Trends
Specialization in Graphic Design
California Institute of Arts
Management of fashion and luxury companies
Bocconi University
UX Foundation
Future Skills Prime
Climate justice and sustainable business practices
LinkedIn Learning
Symbiosis International University (SCDL)
July 2022
Post-graduate Diploma in Design Thinking
(A+)
Chandigarh University
May 2021
Bachelor of Science in Fashion and Design
(8.12 CGPA)
Experience
Awards
Dept. of Family & Consumer Sciences, Illinois State University
Jan 2025 to present
Independent Researcher
Voluntarily continuing research collaboration with Dr. Yoon Jin Ma, Dr. Jennifer Banning, and Dr. Micheal Rowley after completing my MS in Fashion Design & Merchandising at Illinois State University. Actively contributing to multiple manuscripts as first author, aimed for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
Mankirat Kaur Fashion Lab
Jan 2024 to present
Fashion Thought Leader
Documenting the fashion world, providing insights into fashion design, education and styling, and addressing sustainability challenges. I educate people about theoretical aspects that matter in fashion, luxury, and style, and create research content on sustainable and slow fashion.
Dept. of Family & Consumer Sciences, Illinois State University
Aug 2023 to May 2024
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Worked for FCS 122 I (Apparel Product Development) at Illinois State University for two full semesters. Engaged in assisting and teaching students, while preparing labs for lectures, and solving course-related problems.
Alumni Recognition
Jul 2025
Chandigarh University
Ora Brettal Recipient
Nov 2024
Illinois State University
Academic Excellence
Aug 2018
Sanskriti KMV School
Miss Congenial
Feb 2018
Sanskriti KMV School
Co-curricular activities
Backstage coordinator & Tickets handler
Apr 2024
Illinois State University Fashion Show
Member
Aug 2023 to May 2024
Graduate Student Union, Illinois State University
Self-Grooming Head
Jun 2020 to May 2021
Fashion & Design, Chandigarh University
Student Volunteer
Aug 2018 to Dec 2020
Art of Living
Class Representative
Jun 2019 to May 2021
Fashion & Design, Chandigarh University
House Vice Captain
Apr 2016 to Feb 2017
Sanskriti KMV School
Get in Touch
Connect with me for collaborations, inquiries, or to learn more about fashion innovation and education. Let's create together!
Contact
+91 9501-540-523
Support
mankiratkaur.research@gmail.com