Denise Green ’07, associate professor in the Department of Human Centered Design, has been named the inaugural Morgan Engaged Faculty Fellow in the Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research (BCTR) in the College of Human Ecology.
The fellowship was established to support the research of Human Ecology faculty members whose work in is line with the BCTR mission of expanding, strengthening, and speeding the connections between cutting-edge research and efforts to enhance human development, health and well-being.
“It is fitting that this fellowship is named after Becky and Jim Morgan, whose unwavering support for CHE’s mission of improving human lives touches on almost every aspect of our college today,” said Rachel Dunifon, the Rebecca Q. and James C. Morgan Dean of the College of Human Ecology. “Denise Green is the perfect person to hold the inaugural Morgan fellowship. Professor Green’s cutting-edge research exemplifies CHE’s commitment to sparking change in the world through innovation and impact.”
Green uses fashion to engage with important social, cultural and political issues. Her research explores the intersection of fashion studies and anthropology, focusing on both the technical methods of textile design as well as the cultural importance of clothing. Green is also director of the Cornell Fashion + Textile Collection.
She is the first BCTR faculty fellow with a fiber science and apparel design background, expanding the scope of the center.
“We know the fashion system is responsible for a great deal of harm. At the same time, fashion has the transformative potential to empower, educate, inspire and bring joy into people’s lives,” Green said. “With support from the Morgan fellowship, I will have the opportunity to further my research on the ways fashion could make a more positive impact on people and the planet.”
Green coordinates the Cornell Natural Dye Studio and founded the Cornell Natural Dye Garden. Support from the Morgan Fellowship will further Green’s work to identify alternative sources of natural dyes from food waste and invasive plants. Support will also help Green complete a book on the history and influence of fashion displays in public spaces, and the “Fashioning the Bounds of Free Speech” project, as part of Cornell University’s Freedom of Expression theme year
“Working alongside and learning from Green promises to be a generative opportunity for our center,” said Anthony Burrow, BCTR director. “As one of the initial connections with the newly established Department of Human Centered Design, Green’s planned scope of work over the next two years will be instrumental in expanding our center’s capacity in exciting and vital directions.”
Green will hold the Morgan Fellow role through June 2025.
