Ushasi Rudra is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Textile Design at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Bhubaneswar. Her areas of teaching and expertise include textile weaving, textile print design, handlooms, and craft. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Textile Design from NIFT Kolkata and a Master’s degree in Textile Design from the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad. Her professional experience spans design practice, craft-based livelihoods, and textile industry collaborations.

Her research interests include design thinking, artisan practices, design education, and innovation in Indian handloom and craft contexts. She is pursuing doctoral research at NIFT Bengaluru, exploring the role of design thinking in artisan development and handloom innovation. Her academic and professional work includes craft-based design projects, co-design initiatives, and collaborations with artisan clusters and industry partners. She has also worked with Tata Trusts’ Antaran craft-based livelihood initiative and has experience with textile studios and export houses.

Ushasi actively mentors students through studio-based, field-based, and industry-linked projects, encouraging research-led and context-sensitive design practice. She engages with artisan communities through workshops, product development, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. Her professional interests extend to the intersection of craft, fashion, and contemporary design. Outside academia, she enjoys travelling and sketching, which continue to inform her visual and creative perspective.