Project Team
Peter W. Chan
Associate professor and chair, Production Management
Peter Chan is associate professor and chair of the Production Management department at FIT as well as the managing partner of Sunrise Studios, Inc. Skilled in apparel production and logistics management, he has a proven track record in the fashion industry. He holds master’s degrees from the University of Illinois, Cornell University, and New York University, and a doctorate of education from Teachers College at Columbia University.
Karen R. Pearson
Professor and chair, Science and Math • Chair, Sustainability Council
Karen Pearson, PhD, is professor and chair of Science and Mathematics at the Fashion Institute of Technology and the Director of TechFIT, a National Science Foundation grant: Advancing Technical Education (ATE) project. Karen also serves as the chair of the FIT Sustainability Council. She holds a bachelor of arts degree in chemistry from Clark University and a doctorate in inorganic chemistry from Washington State University. Prior to joining the FIT faculty in 2004, she was on the research staff at IBM’s T.J.Watson Research Center. Dr. Pearson’s teaching at FIT led to the receipt of the 2011 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. Additionally, she was awarded a grant of $150,000 from the National Science Foundation: Advancing Technical Education (ATE). The award promotes thinking green across the college focusing on the development of introductory science curriculum to better prepare FIT’s graduates to meet industry demands for the design, development, and manufacture of sustainable products including textiles, toys, home products, cosmetics, and packaging.
Ajoy Sarkar
Professor and assistant chairperson, Textile Development and Marketing
Ajoy Sarkar, PhD, is a professor and assistant chair specializing in textile development and marketing at FIT. He is associate editor for the AATCC Journal of Research. He holds a PhD in textile sciences from the University of Georgia and a BS in textile chemistry/fibers and textile processing technology. He has co-authored a peer-reviewed paper titled “Development of a Nursing Sports Bra for Physically Active Breastfeeding Women Through User-Centered Design” in the Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, Volume 35, Number 4, October 2017, pp 290-306.
Amy Sperber
Assistant professor, Fashion Design
Amy Sperber is a multidisciplinary fashion designer focused on innovative technical approaches and design thinking, aimed at creating sustainable systems and creative solutions in clothing. She holds her BFA and MFA in Fashion Design from FIT and teaches in the undergraduate Fashion Design program.
Michael Pinpin
Production Management ’21
Michael graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology majoring in Production Management: Fashion and Related Industries in May of 2021 and has previously graduated from Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising with a degree in Fashion Design. Michael has worked in the garment industry in New York and Los Angeles and used his experience to help the FIT team to source and sample the initial face covering submitted for the SUNY PPE project.
Mina Jung
Textile/Surface Design ’21
Mina is a recent FIT graduate who received her associate in Textile/Surface Design and bachelor’s in Textile Development and Marketing. She developed an interest in textile science and went on to participate in research opportunities offered through FIT, including the FIT-Genspace Lab Scholars program and the SUNY PPE project.
Isabelle (Izzy) McClelland
Fashion Design ’21 Alumna
Izzy McClelland graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 2021, earning her BFA in Fashion Design with a specialization in knitwear. Growing up in Maine, she moved to the city to study and pursue knitwear and costume design. Much of her work is inspired by the beautiful landscape of her home state and is focused on sustainable practices.
Maria Robinson
Production Management ’22
Maria is a senior at the Fashion Institute of Technology, studying Production Management with minors in Ethics and Sustainability and International Trade and Marketing. She is passionate about supply chain transparency and workers’ rights. She spends her time volunteering with Fair Trade Philadelphia and enjoys outdoor activities.
Michael Jewels
Production Management ’21
Michael is a recent graduate from the Production Management program at FIT. With climate change being a major concern, he was happy to work in a team to develop a sustainable PPE mask. Working on this project gave him a realistic look at the different roles each person is assigned and how they all come together.
Noah Tager
Menswear ’22
Noah is a second-year menswear design student at FIT with a focus on sustainable and upcycled garments. Prior to studying at FIT, Noah was a full-time graphic designer for a communications agency, and he has a BA from Amherst College in computer science and studio art.
Allison Ko
Fashion Design ’22
Allison is a senior at FIT majoring in Fashion Design and pursuing minors in Art History, History, and International Trade and Marketing. She is a member of the Sustainability Council and is passionate about functional fashion and innovation.