About Member

Dr. Vishaka Ashish Karnad B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Home Science), C.Text.FTI. (Born 21st June 1975 in Mumbai) is a dedicated teaching and research professional in the field of Textile and Fashion Technology, Home Science and Education. She is the Associate Professor at the College of Home Science, Nirmala Niketan, Affiliated to the University of Mumbai (India) with teaching experience of 24 years. She is the very first Home Scientist to have obtained a Doctoral Degree in Science (Home Science) in Textile and Fashion Technology under the University of Mumbai with her research subject being Resource Management for Research and Development of Textiles. She has been the Ex-Chairperson, Ad-hoc Board of Studies in Home Science, University of Mumbai at a young age of 36 years, Ex-Member of Academic Council, Member of the Research Recognition Committee, Ex-member of the Board of University Teaching and Research and other allied teaching and research bodies of the University of Mumbai. She is the Representative Member Textile and Fashion Technology Department, College of Home Science College Development Committee and is appointed on the examination panels of other academic institutes in India as well. During her tenure at the University of Mumbai, she was responsible for implementing key policy decisions for curriculum development, eligibility criteria, examinations, research and teaching appointments for career advancement. Various under-graduate and post-graduate educational reforms that included Credit Based Semester and Grading System, Master’s program in Community Resource Management, Ph.D. Course Work on Research Methods, Statistics and Computer Applications, Certificate Course in Ergonomics and Workstation Design, Bridge Course in Home Science and Modules for B.Sc. (Interdisciplinary Sciences) programs were introduced at University of Mumbai. She has been the Coordinator, Course in “Home Management” for needy women conducted by Y. B. Chavan Pratishthan (Maharashtra Mahila Vyaspeeth) training young ladies of the lower socio-economic groups with income generating textile related skills of dyeing and printing, embroidery, textile craft, culinary and other hand skills. She is the recipient of the Rashtriya Gaurav Award and Certificate of Excellence by the India International Friendship Society, the Glory of India Gold Medal by the International Institute for Success Awareness and Fellow of The Textile Institute and Chartered Member of The Textile Institute (UK) for her meritorious teaching and research contributions and the recipient of the Asian Education Award for her Contribution to Education Community by the Kites Productions. She believes that education should be student centric and practices participatory styles of teaching and learning. She has participated in several national and international conferences and undertakes collaborative research projects by guiding scholars at post-graduate and doctoral levels in emerging fields of textiles; designing and developing women’s formal wear using traditional prints, natural dyeing, thermochromic pigment printing and chitosan treated cotton, specialty finishes for medical wear and waterless dyeing are some her recent interests. She has presented and published several research and review papers. She is a member of different professional bodies and holds important positions - The Textile Institute, Member of the TI Council, Honorary Secretary of the Textile Institute Special Interest Group Textiles, Hon. Secretary of the Society of Dyers and Colourists (Education Charity) India Mumbai Chapter, Home Science Association of India, Textile Association of India and Indian Textile Accessories and Machinery Manufacturers Association. She ardently pursues her hobby of vocal Indian Classical Music being a Sangeet Visharad from Akhil Bharatiya Sangeet Mahavidhyalaya and appreciation of traditional art and craft forms. She is fond of reading especially philosophy and spiritual texts. Societal welfare initiatives through extension education and voluntary training programs are her other pursuits. Team working, diligence and perseverance in fulfilling her dream while helping others to realize their own have contributed to her profile in many ways.

Designation

Associate Professor, College of Home Science, Nirmala Niketan, University of Mumbai , Mumbai, Maharashtra