Dr Kerri Akiwowo

Fellow, Higher Education Academy
PGCert Academic Practice, º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ
PhD, º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ
MA Design for Textile Futures, UAL: Central Saint Martins
BA (Hons) Textile Design, UAL: Chelsea

  • Senior Lecturer in Textiles
  • Co-Director Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity
  • Textiles
    • Publications
    ORCiD Google Scholar

    Dr Akiwowo is a practitioner-researcher and Senior Lecturer in Textiles at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ, School of Design and Creative Arts.

    I am a Senior Lecturer in Textiles and practitioner-researcher. I co-lead a CDT in 'Unequal Academic Citizenship: Opportunities and Barriers to Participation and Inclusion of Cultural Diversity and Intersecting Identities in Higher Education.' (CITHEI). My scholarship includes textile design and coloration; textile futures; cultural studies; diversity in HE and I hold a PhD from º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ in digital laser-dyeing for polyester textiles. In 2021, I co-founded 'Diverse Voices in Textiles', a pedagogic initiative, endorsed by the Clothworkers’ Company, which addresses the lack of diversity in Textile Design HE and industry within the UK. I have held senior and external examiner positions at De Montfort University, as well as freelance, studio design and trend research roles within the Creative Industries. In 2023, I delivered a talk on 'Being the Change' to academics and senior leaders from multiple UK universities and non-academic stakeholders upon completing WHEN's (Women's Higher Education Network) '100 Black Women Professors Now' pilot leadership and development programme.

    I have disseminated my practice and research internationally including the Korean Fashion Business Association, Seoul; Joshibi University of Art and Design in Tokyo, Japan; and the Design and Architecture Gallery in Tallin, Estonia. Nationally, I have exhibited at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, Royal Society of Arts, Science Museum, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the Business Design Centre, London. I have contributed to subject-specific books and peer-reviewed journal articles within Textile Design; Fashion; Aesthetics; Technology; Innovation; Sustainability and Sportswear contexts. Publication output also includes an entry in Berg Encyclopedia of World Dress and Fashion, with the article, ‘Culture: A Retro-speculative Methodology for Contesting the Legacy of Colonialism and Race(ism) Performance in Women’s Sport.’

    I contribute mainly to the undergraduate Textile Design programme. I teach across a range of modules and cohorts. I also contribute to shared modules across multiple programmes. My experience includes postgraduate taught curricular and delivery.

    Engagement:

    • Rare and Distinctive Collections (RAD), Cornell University, USA
    • The Collections Resources Centre, º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ, UK
    • Charnwood Arts, º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ, UK
    • Society of Dyers and Colourists, Bradford, UK

    Examination:

    • External Examiner: MSc Textile Design, Technology and Innovation, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK (2017-2021)
    • External Examiner: MA Design, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK (2017-2018)

    Industrial Training:

    • Society of Dyers and Colourists – Introduction to Fabrics and Fibres; Colour Specification; Colour Management

    Awards:

    • 2021: Inclusivity in Teaching Innovation Award, º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ 
    • 2017: Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence (Team Award), º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ; Doctoral College Research Bursary, º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ
    • 2015: Research Fund (SAED), º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ
    • 2011: Travel Bursary, Society of Dyers and Colourists
    • 2010-2013: Collaborative Doctoral Award, PhD Studentship, Arts & Humanities Research Council
    • 2006-2007: Research Preparation Master’s Award, Arts & Humanities Research Council

    Other:

    I hold university memberships on Council, Senate and the Governance and Nominations Committee. I am a member of the Design and Creative Arts Research and Innovation Committee and I am Co-Chair for the school EDI Committee.

    I undertake PhD supervision and welcome prospective research proposals.