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Dr. Amanda J. Muhammad is a Professor and former Chair of the Department of Interior Design and Merchandising in the College of Health and Human Performance at East Carolina University. Her scholarship examines the intersection of professional identity development, resource accessibility, and experiential learning in higher education, with particular attention to how educational systems support career readiness and workforce preparation.
Her research explores topics including access to professional clothing and career resources, consumer behavior, entrepreneurship, and leadership in both formal and informal learning environments. Through this work, she investigates how high-impact educational practices-such as applied learning, industry engagement, and experiential initiatives-can strengthen students' professional preparation and long-term success.
Dr. Muhammad's broader body of work also includes research and presentations related to curriculum innovation, microenterprise development in the informal retail sector, and collaborative leadership in higher education. In addition to her scholarship, she contributes to advancing the discipline through national leadership and professional service. She currently serves as President of the Textile and Apparel Programs Accreditation Commission (TAPAC) and as Co-Director of the International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA) 2027 Annual Conference.
Across her scholarship, leadership, and service, Dr. Muhammad focuses on translating research into practical systems that expand opportunities for students and strengthen the connection between education, industry, and community.