Mrs Karen  Ryan

Mrs Karen Ryan

Snr Teach Fellow, Fashion Mkting & Mngt

Research interests

  • Karen’s research interests are rooted in a lifelong commitment to considerate design, alongside a strong educational focus on nurturing a creative conscience within the context of fashion innovation, production, marketing, and the wider supply chain. Her work explores forward-thinking themes such as the circular economy, ethics and identity, sustainable development, and behavioural science—each contributing to a more responsible and informed fashion future.
  • In addition to her interests in Creative Pedagogy and Fashion, Textiles and Material Futures, Karen was a founding member of the research group AUB Human at Arts University Bournemouth. She also serves as a peer reviewer for the Journal of Global Fashion Marketing and the International Journal of Fashion, Design and Education, actively supporting the advancement of critical discourse within the field.

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About

For over a decade, Karen has held senior academic roles in higher education, including Course Leader, Senior Lecturer, and Course Coordinator across master's, undergraduate, and foundation programmes. Her teaching and leadership span fashion marketing, design, textiles, and theoretical studies.

With a master’s degree (Distinction) in Marketing Communications Practice and significant professional experience in the fashion industry, Karen integrates industry insight with academic research to inspire and collaborate with students and colleagues alike. She has co-led the faculty-wide research and innovation group Creative Pedagogies and aspires to undertake a PhD by publication, reflecting her commitment to developing future-facing knowledge in fashion education.

Karen’s strategic focus on student success is underpinned by thoughtfully designed learning experiences. She draws on contemporary fashion issues, theory, and research to create engaging, meaningful education. Alongside her teaching, she actively contributes to evolving conversations in design, communication, and media through creative and innovative research practice.