Dr. Aparna Rastogi is the Centre Coordinator (CC) and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Fashion Communication at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Bhubaneswar. She has over thirteen years of academic and professional experience in fashion communication, journalism, broadcasting, and digital media. Her expertise spans Fashion Communication, Communication Design, Branding, Digital Media, Media Studies, Audio-Visual Production, Advertising and Public Relations, Event Management, and Visual Storytelling. She teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses, mentors Graduation Projects, and actively contributes to curriculum development, academic administration, and interdisciplinary learning. She received her Ph.D. in Journalism and Mass Communication from Utkal University, an M.Phil. from Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, and Master's and Bachelor's degrees in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Lucknow.

Dr. Rastogi's research interests include Fashion Communication, digital media, artificial intelligence, digital fashion, sustainability, branding, consumer behaviour, media ethics, gender studies, and communication technologies. She actively undertakes interdisciplinary research at the intersection of communication, design, and emerging technologies. She regularly presents her research at national and international conferences, including the International Foundation of Fashion Technology Institutes (IFFTI), London, and contributes to scholarly discussions on digital innovation, sustainable fashion, media studies, and design education. Her academic contributions have been recognised through research publications, conference presentations, professional awards, and academic collaborations, reflecting her commitment to advancing research, innovation, and design education.

Beyond academia, Dr. Rastogi has extensive professional experience as a television anchor, radio jockey, programme producer, documentary filmmaker, scriptwriter, and community radio practitioner. She has worked with Doordarshan, All India Radio, Gyan Vani FM, FM Rainbow, and CMS Community Radio, contributing to broadcasting, programme production, public communication, and community outreach. She actively mentors students in branding, photography, filmmaking, digital storytelling, and communication design while promoting experiential and industry-oriented learning. Her professional contributions have been recognised through honours such as the Best Speaker Award from the Public Relations Council of India (PRCI), the Naresh Kumar Memorial Talent Hunt Award (Jury Special Speaker), the Young Achiever Award in Journalism, and the Women Empowerment Award in Journalism. She is committed to fostering innovation, socially responsible communication, and meaningful collaborations between academia, industry, and society through teaching, research, mentorship, and creative practice.