Ummey Hani Barsha is a PhD student in Consumer and Design Science in the College of Human Sciences.  Barsha has a rich background in sustainable fashion design, research, and education. She has demonstrated exceptional dedication to sustainability through her academic research, creative scholarship, and teaching efforts. Her projects span diverse aspects of sustainable fashion, from material innovation to consumer behavior and industry practices.  She has been committed to sustainable practices since her undergraduate studies in Bangladesh (2020), which continued in her Master’s program and now doctoral studies.

Her work focuses on exploring sustainable practices in the fashion industry and promoting sustainable materials and designs. Barsha’s research emphasizes the integration of environmentally friendly materials such as jute blends and hemp into contemporary fashion to reduce the industry’s environmental footprint. Her innovative designs, like garments made from hemp and recycling traditional jamdani, exemplify her commitment to combining sustainability with aesthetics and functionality.

Barsha’s research includes examining sustainable practices in Bangladesh’s garment industry and studying the impact of transparency in sustainable fashion on consumer trust and how it can drive a sustainable fashion industry. Her ongoing projects delve into how family dynamics influence sustainable fashion consumption, barriers to adopting sustainably designed garments, and the integration of biomimicry to enhance the appeal of eco-friendly designs.

Her work is creating new revenue streams for garment production in Bangladesh. In addition to more sustainable fabric production, Barsha’s efforts promote economic growth in Bangladesh, and recognize production facilities that have shown ethical treatment of workers.

Barsha exemplifies leadership and collaboration through her roles as a teaching assistant, research assistant, mentor, and volunteer at academic and community organizations. As a communication secretary for the Bangladesh Students Organization and a mentor for first-year graduate students, she inspires peers and students to embrace sustainability in their personal and professional lives.