Md Arif Iqbal

Dr. Md Arif Iqbal is an Assistant Professor of Fashion Merchandising and Design in the School of Design at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). His research focuses on sustainable fashion, the circular economy, biodesign, textile innovation, consumer behavior, and the integration of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, into the fashion and apparel industry.

Dr. Md Arif Iqbal served as an assistant professor at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, before joining Virginia Tech in August 2026. Dr. Iqbal earned his Ph.D. in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. His interdisciplinary research bridges fashion materials, sustainability, and fashion business, with applications in circular supply chains, sustainable manufacturing, and technology adoption. His work has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management and the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology, and Management. He presented more than 30 research articles at national and international conferences, including ITAA and ACRA. Dr. Iqbal served as co-chair of the American Collegiate Retailing Association’s (ACRA) 2026 annual conference.

In addition to his research, Dr. Iqbal teaches courses in textiles, sustainability, apparel product development, and fashion business, while mentoring students in applied research and innovation. He actively collaborates with industry and academic partners to develop practical solutions that promote resilient, regenerative, and circular fashion systems.