Personal profile

Overview

Rachel is an academic leader and Reader in Fashion Buying and Merchandising at the University of Manchester. With a strong foundation in industry expertise, pedagogical innovation, and strategic leadership, her work bridges the gap between creative fashion innovation and commercial viability. Her internationally recognized research, teaching, and leadership contribute to the advancement of Fashion Product Development (FPD), shaping curriculum development and enhancing student learning through real-world industry connections.

With over a decade of industry experience specializing in product development, brand strategy, and sustainable fashion practices, Rachel brings first-hand expertise in retail operations, supply chain management, and strategic decision-making. This deep industry knowledge informs both her academic leadership and research, ensuring that fashion education remains dynamic, relevant, and forward-thinking

Academic Leadership & Teaching Innovation

Rachel has played a pivotal role in developing and leading undergraduate and postgraduate programmes within Fashion Business and Technology (FBT), ensuring alignment with both academic excellence and industry demands. As Discipline Head of Education and Programme Director for Undergraduate Studies, she has led curriculum design, programme operations, and strategic educational initiatives that place student experience, inclusivity, and employability at the forefront.

Her leadership in teaching and learning innovation has driven transformational change in pedagogy, curriculum development, and student engagement. Rachel has successfully:

  • Redesigned curricula to integrate cutting-edge industry insights, ensuring students develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and commercial acumen.
  • Developed technology-enhanced learning environments, incorporating interactive and experiential learning that prepares students for real-world challenges in the global fashion industry.
  • Embedded industry collaborations into learning, fostering data literacy, strategic decision-making, and sustainability-focused approaches.
  • Led initiatives for student inclusivity, implementing student-centred teaching methods that promote a strong sense of community and belonging, ensuring all students feel valued and supported.
  • Advocated for authentic assessments, shifting from traditional assessment models to real-world project-based learning that enhances graduate employability and industry readiness.

Rachel's commitment to teaching excellence and pedagogical development has positioned her as a leading voice in fashion education, influencing best practices at institutional, national, and international levels.

Recognitions & Awards

Her contributions to teaching innovation and student experience have been recognized through numerous awards, including:

  • Honorary Fellow (2021) / Fellow (2023), Institute of Teaching and Learning
  • Highly Commended Teaching Excellence Team Award, FBT Graduate Showcase (2022)
  • Teaching Excellence Team Award, FBT Year Manager & Community Project (2021)
  • Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2020)

Distinguished Achievement Award – Teacher of the Year (2017,2020)

Leadership & Service

Rachel has extensive leadership experience in teaching and learning, contributing to strategic planning, policy development, and curriculum innovation at department, faculty, and university levels.

Her leadership roles include:

  • Discipline Head of Education for Fashion Business and Technology – driving curriculum transformation, teaching innovation, and student engagement strategies.
  • Programme Director for Undergraduate Studies – overseeing programme structure, learning outcomes, and student success initiatives.
  • Member of the Department Senior Management Team & School Teaching, Learning, and Student Experience Committee – contributing to institutional strategy, policy development, and quality assurance in teaching.

Rachel has led transformational change initiatives, including:

  • Streamlining teaching and learning processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in teaching allocations, documentation, and module coordination.
  • Facilitating the implementation of new educational strategies that align with Faculty and University objectives, ensuring smooth transitions and broad acceptance across departments.
  • Mentoring and supporting early-career academics, providing guidance through New Academic Programmes and LEAP, fostering the next generation of educators.
  • Driving interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure that teaching methods remain future-ready, equipping graduates with the skills needed for a rapidly evolving industry.

Rachel’s leadership extends beyond her department, as she actively contributes to university-wide initiatives, participating in multiple faculty and institutional groups to align teaching and learning strategies with broader institutional priorities.

Research & Scholarship

Rachel’s growing portfolio of publications in Fashion Buying and Merchandising and Fashion Product Development plays a vital role in shaping academic discourse and industry practice. Rachel is an active contributor to international conferences and industry networks, ensuring that her research resonates globally.

Her research focuses on:

  • Bridging academic theory and industry practice, ensuring that fashion education evolves alongside emerging trends.
  • Developing strategic frameworks for Fashion Product Development, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and commercial viability.

Key Research Areas & Projects

  • The Dynamic Fashion Product Development Process – Investigating the evolving role, nature, and management of product development in the fashion industry.
  • Reflections on Industry Practice – Capturing insights and lessons learned from professionals in fashion buying, merchandising, and fashion product development.
  • Navigating Unpredictable Development Processes – Exploring strategies for managing complexity, risk, and uncertainty in fashion product development

Scholarship in Teaching & Learning

Rachel is dedicated to enhancing the student experience and cultivating pedagogy that fosters a profound sense of belonging and academic engagement. Rachel is an active contributor to international conferences, academic networks, and university teaching forums, ensuring that her research resonates globally.

 Her research-led approach to teaching and learning focuses on:

  • Innovative teaching methodologies that inspire curiosity, creativity, and resilience among students.
  • Designing learning experiences that encourage students to take ownership of their education, ensuring they feel recognized, valued, and empowered.
  • Developing interdisciplinary collaborations to enhance student engagement and community-building in higher education.

Key Teaching & Learning Scholarship Initiatives

  • Enhancing Student Engagement & Community Spirit – A streamlined support initiative fostering stronger student connections.
  • The ABC Tool Kit Concept – An innovative framework for empowering students and building a supportive learning community.
  • Enhancing Engagement through Digital Badges – Improving attendance, motivation, and skill development through gamification strategies.
  • Enhancing problem-solving skills in fashion education, leveraging industry partnerships and collaborative learning models.

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 4 - Quality Education
  • SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  • SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
  • SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals

Education/Academic qualification

Master of Education, Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector, , University of Bolton

1 Sept 201130 Jun 2012

Award Date: 31 Jul 2012

Bachelor of Arts, Fashion Clothing , University of Leeds

1 Sept 199730 Jun 2000

Award Date: 30 Jun 2000

Areas of expertise

  • L Education (General)
  • Fashion Product Development
  • Fashion Buying
  • Fashion Merchandising
  • apparel
  • retail
  • fashion industry
  • student belonging
  • student voice
  • student experience
  • Inclusivity Equity Diversity

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