VERONIKA KAPSALI
Employment
2022- Present
Professor of Material Technology and Design
London College of Fashion
University of the Arts London
In this role my work spans research, mentorship, innovation, policy advising, and knowledge dissemination, all aimed at advancing the exciting field of material technology and design.
As the leader of a research project funded by AHRC (Arts and Humanities Research Council), I focus on bioinspired design, exploring innovative ideas inspired by nature. I also collaborate with other researchers on a project that looks at the intersection of business, fashion, and textile technology, taking a multidisciplinary approach to drive new possibilities in these areas.
In addition, I provide guidance and support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through research mentorship programs. By fostering innovation and collaboration, I help these companies in their research and development efforts.
As an educator, I have the privilege of supervising research students and supporting their journey to completion. I am committed to nurturing academic excellence and have also served as an examiner for various research projects.
Beyond academia, I am honored to serve as an advisor and peer reviewer for prestigious international programs and organizations such as Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe, and UKRI. By sharing my expertise, I contribute to shaping research agendas and advancing the field.
I also provide advisory services to governmental bodies like GO Science and BEIS on the topic of active materials. This involves informing policies and decisions related to the use of dynamic materials, highlighting the broader impact of my work.
As a recognized expert in my field, I have been invited to speak at numerous conferences and events around the world. Through these engagements, I have the opportunity to share the latest advancements in my research, connecting with diverse audiences and fostering knowledge exchange.
2016-2021
Reader in Material Technology and Design
London College of Fashion
University of the Arts London
As the former Design and Technology School Research and Knowledge Exchange Coordinator, I played a vital role in promoting research activities and facilitating knowledge exchange within the school. With a focus on design and technology, I coordinated various research projects and fostered collaborations between academics, students, and industry professionals. This position allowed me to contribute to the development of innovative ideas and ensure their practical implementation.
Additionally, I served as the LCF College PhD Co-Coordinator, overseeing the coordination of practice-based PhD programs. In this role, I provided guidance and support to PhD students, helping them navigate their research journey and ensuring the integration of practical elements into their projects. By co-coordinating these programs, I contributed to the growth of research excellence within the college and facilitated the development of emerging design practices
2009-2021
Director of Research and Innovation
MMT Textiles Limited
I was the co-founder and CTO of a technology start-up company that owned the intellectual property (IP) and patent rights to INOTEKTM. In this role, I played a crucial part in the establishment and development of the company, overseeing the technological aspects of our operations.
As the co-founder, I actively participated in the strategic decision-making process and contributed to the overall vision and direction of the company. As the CTO, I held responsibility for the technological development and innovation of our products and services.
Our ownership of the IP and patent rights to INOTEKTM demonstrated our innovative approach and ability to create unique technologies. Through our work, we aimed to bring cutting-edge solutions to market and make a significant impact in the industry.
2011-2016
Reader in Design STEM practice
Northumbria University
I served as the leader of the BioExplore platform and co-investigator of the Design: STEM Innovation platform. In these roles, I played a central role in driving exploration and innovation in the fields of biology-inspired design and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
As the leader of the BioExplore platform, I spearheaded initiatives and projects focused on leveraging principles from biology to inspire innovative design solutions. By exploring the natural world and its mechanisms, we aimed to unlock new possibilities and create sustainable and efficient designs.
Simultaneously, as a co-investigator of the Design: STEM Innovation platform, I collaborated with fellow researchers and experts to integrate design thinking into STEM disciplines. Our goal was to foster creative problem-solving, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and enhance the application of STEM knowledge in real-world contexts.
2009- 2011
Program Leader BA(Hons) Fashion Textiles and MA Fashion design
Middlesex University
I established the BA Fashion Textiles program and created the MA Fashion program. These academic programs were developed under my guidance, where I designed the curriculum, established learning outcomes, and implemented a comprehensive educational framework. The BA Fashion Textiles program provided students with a strong foundation in fashion textiles, while the MA Fashion program offered advanced education and research opportunities. These programs have successfully contributed to the growth and diversification of educational offerings in the fashion field, empowering students to excel in their careers and make significant contributions to the industry.
2004-2009
Associate Lecturer
London College of Fashion
University of the Arts London
I delivered lectures, tutorials, and workshops covering various topics including textile technology, sourcing, material selection, design development, textile futures, and new technologies. These educational sessions provided students with comprehensive insights and practical knowledge in these areas. By sharing my expertise and facilitating hands-on learning experiences, I aimed to equip students with the necessary skills to excel in the field of textiles. The focus on emerging technologies and textile trends also prepared them for the future, ensuring they stay informed and adaptable in an ever-evolving industry.
2001-2004
Textile Designer
Freelance
I designed textile products that were stocked in independent boutiques in the UK and Japan. These designs encompassed various textile items, reflecting my creativity and attention to detail. By collaborating with boutique retailers, my products reached a diverse customer base and contributed to the fashion offerings in both countries.
Education
2004-2008
PhD Engineering Design
University of Bath
This doctoral program provided me with a comprehensive and rigorous education in the field of engineering design. Under the guidance of esteemed faculty members, I conducted in-depth research, developed advanced problem-solving skills, and contributed to the body of knowledge in my area of specialization. Through my PhD journey, I honed my critical thinking abilities, research methodologies, and academic writing skills. The completion of my PhD program at the University of Bath signifies my dedication to advancing knowledge and expertise in engineering design.
1998-2000
BA (Hons) Fashion Textiles
London College of Fashion
University of the Arts London
This undergraduate program provided me with a comprehensive education in the field of fashion textiles. Through a combination of theoretical studies and practical projects, I gained a deep understanding of textile materials, design principles, and manufacturing processes. The program equipped me with essential skills in textile design, material sourcing, and creative expression.
1996-1998
HND Fashion Design and Technology
London College of Fashion
University of the Arts London
I achieved my Higher National Diploma (HND) in Fashion Design and Technology from the London College of Fashion. This program provided me with a comprehensive education in the disciplines of fashion design and technology. Through a combination of theoretical coursework and practical training, I gained a strong foundation in fashion design principles, garment construction techniques, and technology applications in the fashion industry.
1995-1996
Foundation, Art and Design
Camberwell College of Arts
University of the Arts London
I completed a Foundation course in Art and Design, which served as a transformative experience in my educational journey. This program provided me with a solid grounding in various art and design disciplines. It allowed me to explore different creative mediums, develop my artistic skills, and cultivate my visual thinking abilities.