- Jan 16, 2026
- Holistic Human Health, Social Impact + Justice, Sustainability + Society, Technology + Human Thriving
Functional apparel designs improve comfort and hygiene
In FSAD 6900, students take a holistic approach to fashion design. The graduate-level course is taught by Heeju Park, Vincent V.C. Woo Professor of Human Centered Design, who is also affiliated with the Department of Design Tech. It emphasizes understanding human performance and environmental challenges, developing functional prototypes, and scientifically evaluating those prototypes using advanced technologies.
At the end of the class, two groups unveiled forward‑thinking projects that improve performance and comfort in women’s apparel
Catalina Lange
Navika Gangrade
Navika Gangrade, Ph.D., RDN, is a lecturer at the Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research. In addition to teaching various classes, she is responsible for overseeing the Cornell Human Ecology in New York City summer internship program.
Prior to joining Cornell, Dr. Gangrade was a visiting assistant professor in the Nutrition Program at New York University, Department of Nutrition and Food Studies. She earned her Ph.D. in nutrition and registered dietitian credentials (RDN) from Cornell University
Olga Malysheva
Robin Roger
Robin Roger is a seasoned communications professional with nearly 20 years of experience in higher education marketing and communications. At Cornell University, she has led transformative initiatives for the College of Human Ecology, including a complete website redesign, the launch of a new college brand, and the college's Centennial celebration.
Before joining Cornell, Robin served as Director of News and Publications at Ithaca College, where she oversaw news, storytelling, alumni and prospective student publications, and
Jessica Salerno
Jessica Salerno, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology and an Associate Member of the Law Faculty at Cornell University. She received her bachelor's degree in psychology and film from Middlebury College in 2003 and her doctorate in social psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2012.
Dr. Salerno’s research sits at the intersection of social psychology and the legal system, investigating how cognitive, emotional, and social processes affect the
