Ms Puja Rani is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Fashion Communication at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Patna, specialising in Retail Visual Merchandising and Marketing. She brings over five years of professional experience in the retail industry, where she has served as a category manager and retail planner and in operations as a concept manager. She has been associated with NIFT since 2021. Her expertise spans retail, visual merchandising, marketing, and design processes, integrating industry experience with academic practice.

She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Influencer Marketing, with research interests in digital marketing, influencer marketing, advertising, social media communication, and consumer behaviour. Her research explores the evolving role of digital influencers and social media in shaping consumer engagement and purchasing decisions, particularly within the skincare, fashion and beauty segments. Her professional interests include visual storytelling, retail experiences, and design thinking. She is actively involved in teaching and mentoring students, encouraging them to connect design, communication, consumer insights, and emerging market trends to develop creative and industry-relevant perspectives.