Fashion Institute of Technology

Dr. Deborah Berhanu is a materials chemist, professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology and Research Associate at the American Museum of Natural History. Her work spans materials formulation and nano/micro-scale characterization, from synthesis of quantum dots for electronics, nanoparticles for environmental and toxicological studies to preparation of biocomposites for design. Deborah teaches contextualized science in sustainability or environmental justice, involving her undergraduate students in research inside and outside the classroom. She also teaches sustainability science in the graduate Global Fashion Management program. She holds a PhD from the University of Manchester (UK) and is the recipient of multiple awards and grants.