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GEETIKA JAISWAL

EDUCATE, NURTURE AND INSPIRE

This website presents my teaching and research portfolios. I have created this collection to give an overview of my academic and professional endeavors. I am thrilled to invite you to explore through my academic journey, and get to know more about me. Take a moment to explore this website.

Home: Welcome

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH


I grew up in the region of India that is home to the famous Chikankari embroidery that was introduced by Mughals in the 15th century. Presently, most of the workers learn it from their family in the form of traditional art. But due to the lack of systematic training very few become a good artisan or entrepreneur, leading many to live in poverty. Their plight has encouraged me to pursue my education in the field of clothing and textiles, and explore the global fashion industry. My ultimate goal is to give back to the society that will help me to become a distinct individual.


To persue my goal, I earned my B.Sc. (Honors in Clothing & Textiles) in 2000 and M.Sc. degree in Clothing & Textiles (2002) from India. In 2017, I received my Ph.D. in Textile & Apparel Management (2017) from the University of Missouri, USA. Further, drawing inspiration from my father, a retired professor of plant sciences, I drew myself to a career in academics. Since completion of my Master's degree in 2002, I had worked as an educator, researcher and administrator at different universities from India, Taiwan and USA. The detailed information about my educational qualifications and professional experiences are included in my CV attached at the end of my biographical sketch.

Throughout my  academic career, I have received several awards and honors such as Chancellor Gold Medal (during under graduation); achieved 2nd rank in Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) conducted by Indian Council of Agricultural Research; awarded fellowships throughout under graduation and Master's education; Distinguished Doctoral Fellowship from the College of Human Environmental Sciences at the University of Missouri. Additionally, I had presented my research at national as well as international conference meetings including the International Textiles and Apparel Association (ITAA). I had also published several papers since my graduation.

Currently, my scholarly interests and expertise falls under the umbrella of corporate social responsibility initiatives of the global apparel supply chain. I look forward to teach and research in this area in my future projects.

Home: Bio

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

What I’ve Done as an EDUCATOR

TEACHING OBJECTIVES

I aim to educate and nurture students so that they can identify their true potential and successfully apply academic knowledge into their professions. Specifically, I aim to educating student from the field of clothing and textiles to help them develop their conceptual, creative, analytical and inter-personal skills that allow them to successfully transition into the global apparel industry. For this, I have set three major goals of being an academician/educator:

  1. Services to students, where I envisage myself as a ‘tour guide’ for leading students on an intellectual journey; as a ‘facilitator’ for providing an organizational framework and tools to assimilate and formulate new information; and as a ‘gatekeeper’ for setting standards of achievement for students and guiding them in developing critical and analytical thinking. Thus, my major goal is to be an educator who guide students on their holistic development, both professionally and personally, and foster analytical thinking to articulate and solve complex problems.

  2. Services to academic community, where I can work to contribute in the betterment of the department, institution and profession at large. I see myself conducting researches to fill in gaps in the knowledge base of the clothing and textile field. I will contribute by publishing research articles, reviewing manuscripts, participating in committee services, advising students, assessment, being an active member of professional societies, and collaborating with researchers from different fields to accomplish this goal.

  3. Services to the society, where I can selflessly return my services to the community by working voluntarily for people, communities, and sponsoring students for higher education.


My teaching experience is varied and diverse. I have worked in universities from three different countries: India, Taiwan, and USA. I have taught various undergraduate as well as master’s level courses related to clothing and textiles. I have developed curriculum, taught, and based on my assessment and feedback refined the courses. I used different pedagogical tools, such as blackboard education management system, and i>Clicker student response systems.


TEACIHNG STRATEGIES

 I believe that each student is unique and learn in different ways. To accommodate diverse learning styles and bring flexibility in my teaching, I employed multiple teaching strategies. I combined several techniques such as lecturing, writing, discussions, demonstrations, assigned individual or group presentations and projects, and arranged industrial visits enabling students’ to actively participate in learning process. I facilitated lively and intellectually stimulating discussions among students, so that they learn both from their instructor and also from one another, and perhaps more so by negotiating and synthesizing ideas.


I further believe that education should be memorable, grounded in concrete examples, and when appropriate, education should be experiential. I approach this in two ways: firstly, learning outside classroom i.e. industrial visits, and internships, it exposed students and provided them with an opportunity to apply acquired knowledge. Conversely, I invited guest speakers from academics, industry, as well as the local community, to bring-in and discuss real-world examples to classroom. This approach enabled students to connect with the world outside academics, imagine themselves as part of a larger spectrum, and enabled a smooth transition of student into the fashion industry. Secondly, I emphasize on project-based learning, which allow investigating and responding to engaging and complex questions, problems, or challenges. I like to incorporate examples from my own research into lectures and routinely assign students to read latest research articles. It keeps them abreast with the recent knowledge and develops an understanding of how scientific knowledge is built, used and taken forward. In addition, I emphasize on service-based learning, which develop students personally, professionally, and socially. For example, I was engaged in Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE) program in India, where we adopted a village and led students in organizing basic embroidery and sewing workshops to empower rural women.


EVALUATION STRATEGIES

For evaluating students’ progress, I set six learning objectives for my student’s to attain: (1) knowledge (2) comprehension, (3) application that focus on outcome, and assessed through traditional approaches (tests, quizzes) in terms of recalling specific facts, understanding, and applying facts in different situations. Further, (4) analysis (5) synthesis and (6) evaluation of learning objectives that focuses on processing information. I evaluate these objectives by using non-traditional approaches (discussion, projects) where students’ ability to identify and establish relationship between concepts, and making judgment about the value of material or methods is assessed. Apart from this, I prefer not to compare students with each other, but rather to evaluate a student’s progress from the beginning of the semester to the end.


Overall, I gauze the success of my academic career with not only my personal achievements, but also with what my students has achieved, and in what ways I have contributed to my institute and the society at large. 

Home: Experience

GRADUATE INSTRUCTOR, TEACHING/RESEARCH ASSISTANT AND DISCUSSION LEADER, UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI (USA)

August 2014 - December 2016

I was employed at the department of Textile and Apparel Management (MU) as a full time graduate student. I was hired by the department in three different roles. First, as a graduate instructor (Fall 2014) for teaching "Apparel Production" undergraduate level course for which I had developed the course syllabus independently; delivered lectures; planned class projects; prepared evaluation strategies and rubrics; and given demonstrations on sewing and assembling garment.


From Spring 2014-Spring 2015, I worked as a teaching and research assistant for two professors. I was involved in teaching the following courses:

  1. Digital Textile and Apparel Applications (Spring 2015)

  2. Integrated Apparel Design and Production I (Fall 2015)

  3. Basic Concepts of Apparel Design and Production  (Spring 2014)

 During my assistantship I graded assignments and exams; maintained record of grades and assignments; held office hours and responded to student queries; met weekly with presiding professor to problem solve classroom issues and grading rubrics; developed demonstration videos; assisted students in using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; and delivered lectures whenever required.


I assisted Prof. Kristen D. Morris (Assistant Professor, MU) in designing a research project entitled "the effectiveness of peer-teaching technique in textile and apparel management program". I was involved in designing project using mixed-method research technique, including face-to-face interview and survey methods; conducted literature review to identify study constructs and develop research hypothesis; assisted in the development of survey items and instrument; developed relevant scales for measuring the constructs; completed requirements of the Institutional Review Board (IRB); prepared final survey using Qualtrics; and distributed survey and collected data.


As a Discussion Leader (Fall 2016), I led independent discussion sessions once a week for "Social Appearance in Time and Space" course; arranged class presentations; delivered lecture when required; graded homework assignments and tests; management of iClicker database; and maintained records of grades through computerized database system.

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR, ACADEMIA SINICA (TAIWAN)

January 2011 - December 2012

I worked under the direct supervision of Director, International Affairs Office. I assisted, coordinated and organized overseas conferences to Malaysia, India and Thailand, to promote Academia Sinica’s Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP) doctoral program to other countries, and initiate collaboration between faculties of different institutions across these countries. In addition, I supervised the TIGP-Internship program for international students where I was responsible for promoting/advertising the program; developing online application and maintaining admission records; involved in student recruitment; maintaining database; developing website; and the main contact person for the entire process.

LECTURER, FU JEN CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY (TAIWAN)

February 2008 - December 2010

My major role included teaching and administration. I have taught several undergraduate level courses such as Fundamentals of Clothing Construction, Principles and Elements of Design, and Fashion Seminar. At master's level I had taught course on 'Special Research Topics', which is a research based course where students worked on a mini-research project based on their topics of interest. 

Besides teaching, I have taken several administrative portfolios:

  1. I worked as a committee member and reviewer of the 12th Annual Conference of International Foundation of Fashion Technology Institutes (IIFTI-2010). 

  2. Organized undergraduate student internship to India (July 2009) at Sportking, an apparel manufacturing and a retailing company.

  3. Worked as an academic advisor  (2009-2010) for exchange students from the University College of Boras, Sweden under “International Students Exchange Program”. Also, acted as an advisor for the Undergraduate students (2008-2010) at Fu Jen.​ 

  4. Supervised undergraduate design students in organizing the ‘Doll Exhibition’ presenting the collection of traditional Taiwanese costumes at the Chinese Textiles and Clothing Culture Centre (April 2008-May 2008).

  5. Invited as an expert at National Palace Museum-NPM (July 2010) for evaluating the Indian costume and textiles and was included in the panel of experts visiting Brussels, Belgium. The panel helped in the procurement of 1340 pieces of Asian textiles and costumes worth millions of Euros from Belgian collectors, Marcel and Zaira Mis. These items are currently on display at southern branch of NPM.

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, ALLAHABAD AGRICULTURAL INSTITUTE-DEEMED UNIVERSITY (INDIA)

June 2003 - February 2008

My major responsibilities included teaching, research and extension education. Besides, I have been assigned to work on other administrative portfolios.  

TEACHING

During my tenure I have taught various clothing construction and textile science related courses. Specifically, I have taught the following courses:

  1. Fundamentals of Clothing Construction

  2. Textile Science and Care

  3. Historic Costume 

  4. Fashion Business Management

As I believe in evidence-based teaching strategies, I collaborated with several industry and academic professional to give a comprehensive experience to my students. I placed my students in apparel, textile as well as retailing industry to gain hands-on experience. Additionally, I had invited several professionals from industry and academics to stimulate discussion in my classroom. I has also taken my student on industrial visits based on the course requirements.

RESEARCH

Guided two Master's students in collaboration with a scientist from Northern India Textile Research Association.  All my research endeavors have led me to publish several research papers and present poster/paper in research conferences.

EXTENSION

I worked as a program leader for clothing and textile students’ extension education program (2005-2006), where I coordinated students’ extension education program involving visits of students to rural areas with remote access for six months. The program was designed to impart technical education for women in remote areas for their empowerment. Basic sewing and embroidery skills were taught to them. It help students’ to apply techniques learned during the courses.


ADMINISTRATION
I worked with the college Dean to start the ‘Elective Course’ in Clothing & Textiles (2004) where students' can opt one major out of the five majors courses offered by the department of Home Science. An elective program in clothing and textiles offered all-inclusive basic training of essentials in clothing and textiles to the final year students that help them in deciding their future career paths.​ Towards this, I raised funds for the department. A total of three million Indian Rupees was procured from College of Agriculture for setting up these labs. Laboratories such as: Apparel Production Lab, Textile Printing Lab, and Textile Testing Lab were set in the department of Clothing and Textiles at SHIATS, Allahabad, India.​

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

Learning and Living

Being a lifelong learner is a trait that is really important to me, and I know that a good education is not what you have learnt at school. For me, some lessons were learned in the traditional way, while others I have received from professional mentors, industry professionals and in some cases, friends and family.

Home: Education

PH.D. (TEXTILE AND APPAREL MANAGEMENT), UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI (USA)

August 2014 - July 2017

I did my Ph.D. from the department of Textile and Apparel Management (TAM) in the College of Human Environmental Sciences at the University of Missouri (MU). The program is a global leader focusing on the study of textile and apparel supply chain. The curriculum particularly focuses on leadership, the global supply chain, sustainability, corporate social responsibility issues, and retailing and merchandising techniques of the global apparel market. I studied the following TAM related courses at MU:

  1. Professional Seminar-Clothing & Textiles

  2. Survey Research-Textiles & Apparels

  3. Theory Development and Evaluation

  4. Global Supply Chain Management

  5. Global Sourcing

  6. Problem in Textile and Apparel Management with emphasis in Retail Finance and Merchandise Control.


Research Method Courses:

  1. Quantitative Analysis Education Research-I

  2. Quantitative Analysis in Educational Research-II

  3. Application of Multivariate Analysis in Educational Research

  4. Structure Equation Modeling (SEM)

  5. Qualitative Research Methods

  6. Public Program Evaluation

DOCTORAL RESEARCH

My research interest falls under the umbrella of 'sustainability', which encompasses the economic, social and environmental functions of fashion business. My doctoral dissertation focuses on social responsibility issues pertaining to the implementation of code of conduct in developing countries. My research entitled "Buyers' Power Strategies and Suppliers' Compliance Mechanisms: Case of Indian Apparel Export Firms", investigated the pathways underlying social compliance mechanisms, including monitoring, enforcement and transparency mechanisms. I conducted this research under the supervision of Dr. Jung Ha-Brookshire, Professor at the University of Missouri. From my doctoral dissertation research, I had published one research paper in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education, and currently one is are under review in the Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management.

M.SC. (CLOTHING AND TEXTILES), G B PANT UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY (INDIA)

July 2000 - August 2002

I completed my Master's degree in Clothing & Textiles from G B Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, India. It was one amongst the most reputed State Agriculture Universities in India. This program was special as it emphasis on developing a holistic knowledge on textile and apparel production processes through teaching diverse courses on clothing and textile related topics such as:

  1. Textile Trade and Development

  2. Advanced Tailoring Techniques

  3. Fashion Designing

  4. Fabric Manufacture

  5. Dyeing and Printing Techniques

  6. Textile Testing and Quality Control

  7. Chemistry of Fibers

Additionally, this program provided me with ample opportunities to gain hands-on experience by inviting guest lectures on special topics and organizing visits to apparel and textile production/designing units. Overall, I found this course exciting as I not only learned within classroom, but was exposed to real world situations. 

My master's thesis entitled "Direct and Resist Printing of Silk using Natural Dyes" was carried our under the supervision of Dr. Susan Paul, Professor and Head (Retired), Department of Clothing and Textiles, Pantnagar (India). I published four papers from my master's thesis.

B.SC. (HOME SCIENCE), N D UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY (INDIA)

June 1997 - July 2000

I did my Bachelor's in Home Science (honors in Clothing and Textiles) from N D University of Agriculture and Technology, India. The program of Home Science in India is equivalent to Home Economics or Family and Consumer Science course in United States. Due to my interest in clothing and textiles (C&T), I graduate with major in C&T. In addition to studying courses in Clothing and Textiles as a major area of study, I had also taken courses from the department of Child Development, Family Resource Management, Food and Nutrition and Extension Education.

SKILLS

My skills have been built up over years of professional as well as research work experience in addition to my day-today observations. I have a great balance of  industry-specific technical skills as well as research skills necessary to educate students and help them transition to any career related to clothing and textiles. If you’re interested in getting to know more about me, and the skills I possess, get in touch with me.

Home: Skills

TECHNICAL SKILLS

  1. Proficient in using MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

  2. Knowledge of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

  3. Comprehensive skill set of garment construction style and techniques.

  4. Professional communication skills (presentation, written and oral).

RESEARCH SKILLS

  1. Knowledge of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method  research techniques.

  2. Data analytical skills using statistical software.

  3. Ability to collaborate and work efficiently in team.

  4. Ability to maintain high professional demeanor.

  5. Ability to publish and present research findings.

Two Pens on Notebook

RESEARCH

RESEARCH PHILOSOPHY

The overall objective of my research is to:

 "align, apply, and develop sustainable business practices and policies to advance the well being of the society".


I have spent my school years observing pleas of famous Chikankari (traditional embroidery) workers of India, working in a family driven, and unorganized sector in an era of globalization. India is one of the fastest growing nations and has witnessed global economic integration and technological revolution changing business practices from family owned setting to export-oriented corporate houses. This rapid evolution has created a challenging situation where low-cost and high-profit strategies have jeopardized conditions of worker as well as work related environment. Although multinational enterprises have taken several accountability measures, companies in developing countries have been constantly challenged. The lack of understanding, the required set of knowledge, skills, and strategies to coordinate their business and social functions has left a gap. With these observational experiences and motivations, I have taken-up my graduate research to investigate the compliance issues involved in the global supply chain to better comprehend the challenges of implementing social initiatives; identify best practices that can guide other industries on improving their social performance; develop strategies that can address workplace issues; give recommendations on designing appropriate policies to sustain long- term success in the market place; and guide businesses on providing lasting and workable solutions that can create value both within and outside the walls of the supply chain. Thus, with my research I hope to advance theoretical understanding; inform empirical knowledge; influence policy and managerial practices; and educate future professionals in the discipline of clothing and textile, who are also the future business managers and consumers in the dynamic market place.


I believe that both qualitative and quantitative modes of inquiry are essential and useful in achieving my research objectives and have specific applications. Thus, I truly appreciate, understand and employ both or either methodologies depending on the research question(s).


Past and Present Research

My research falls under the umbrella of sustainability, which encompasses the economic, social and environmental functions. My Master’s thesis investigated on developing fabric-printing method by using dyes extracted from plant sources, while emphasizing on the development of sustainable printing technique. The study was conducted using experimental research design and yielded four manuscripts published in various peer-reviewed journals.


My current research focuses on the issue of social responsibility with an emphasis on the suppliers of multinational enterprises (MNEs) in developing countries, like India. In 2016, a qualitative research study using semi-structured interviews was concluded and published in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education (2018). The study aimed to explore the perception, formulation and implementation practices of codes of conduct (CoC) policies employed by Indian export houses. The findings highlighted the role of psychological orientation of policy implementers in CoC implementation.


For my doctoral dissertation, I investigated the pathways underlying social compliance mechanism by studying the strategies used by MNEs in motivating and affecting the suppliers’ compliance with CoC policies. I used the quantitative survey instrument to capture the dynamics of buyer-supplier interactions and its effect on supplier motivation and compliance mechanisms. The final model was analyzed through structure equation modeling. The research findings highlighted the importance of inculcating intrinsic motivations in suppliers in developing a holistic CoC compliance mechanism, and staying compliant. The developed knowledge contributes in guiding MNEs in designing appropriate policies that keep suppliers motivated to comply in longer run and may also guide policy makers in developing appropriate interventions that can create value both within and outside the walls of the supply chain.


Future Research

As a platform for advance study, my research activities will emphasize on two primary goals: First, to continue working on my most mature and well-established areas of research on social responsibilities in the global apparel supply chain. Second, as my research interest keeps evolving in response to the changing needs of the society, I wish to expand and diversify my research to pursue new opportunities in the rapidly growing and challenging field of sustainability. For this stream of my research interest, I intend to focus on the role of information technology in addressing supply chain transparency related issues. This stream will be a part of my interdisciplinary or collaborative project, which will contribute towards weaving the threads of business, technology and society into one coherent pattern so that it can make the transition towards sustainable development easier, quicker and viable.

For more detail, contact me or refer to my list of research publications.

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“Be the change you wish to see in the world”

Mahatma Gandhi

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GEETIKA JAISWAL

6648 Loch Hill Rd., Loch Hill, Maryland 21239

573-554-2797

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