With the start of a new academic year comes a new incoming class of doctoral students, ready to collaborate with faculty and contribute to research and learning in the Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies (CARS) Department. Fall 2021 has brought CARS three new PhD students–Narmin Nasibli, Kavita Singh, and Kaylah Perry–who are excited to start their academic journeys and expand on their research and teaching interests.
Narmin Nasibli has spent much time living abroad, from her student exchange program in Lyon, France to her master’s degree in Lund, Sweden and now in Greensboro to pursue her PhD, but she’s originally from Sumgait, Azerbaijan. Narmin was looking for a challenge and strives for creative, unique, and innovative research in her continuous learning and development. Her husband recommended UNCG, as he is also a PhD student here, and through research, Narmin found the Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies Department. She says, “I have always been extremely passionate about learning more about consumer behavior and marketing techniques. I have worked closely with retailers and helped design shelves to increase customer interest and purchase levels. So when I saw the program, the ability to do research in fields that I have always been fascinated with, that was the moment of truth. It was ‘the one’ program to pursue.” Narmin hopes to continue a career in research, though with a large emphasis on teaching. Her research interests include the impact of sustainability on marketing activity, but she hopes to explore more topics during her first year in the CARS PhD program. Narmin looks forward to learning and developing new skills. In her free time, Narmin loves dancing, yoga, as well as crocheting and knitting as ways to express her creativity.
Kavita Singh is originally from India and has a lot of professional experience in retail. She is joining the CARS PhD program to take the next step in her career path. She completed her Master’s in Apparel Merchandising and Marketing from the National Institute of Fashion Technology in New Delhi and went on to work for retail brands like Wrangler, Lee and an Indian denim brand called Flying Machine. She then founded a business in retail souvenir products for department stores under the brand name Beenthere. After 20 years in the apparel and retail industry, she got the opportunity to teach a course at Amity University in Dubai, where she found her love for academia and decided to apply for her PhD. Kavita says, “I chose the Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies Department at UNCG because of the prolific research profile of the faculty members at CARS. The research topics pursued were in my area of interest. The department also maintains strong partnerships with the industry which makes it attractive.” Kavita is interested in researching the impact of technology on various segments in the apparel/lifestyle retail industry as well as the evolution of the fashion market to cater to ignored populations like aging and minority communities. Kavita looks forward to working with the faculty and research associates on rewarding and challenging assignments as she pursues her degree. So far, Greensboro has been a nice change from metro cities for Kavita and her husband. They’ve enjoyed exploring our beautiful city and its restaurants, as well as interacting with our friendly community.
Kaylah Perry came to the Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies Department from Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA, where she grew up and just so happened to get her master’s degree in Retail and Merchandising! Kaylah says, “I have always been interested in fashion and design. Even when I was younger, I knew I wanted to be in the fashion industry in some form. After completing my undergraduate and graduate studies in Fashion Retail and Merchandising, I decided to continue my education and expand my knowledge.” Her research interests include culture appropriation, cultural dress, and culture appreciation. Kaylah says she chose UNCG because in 2020, we were ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the Top 25 Institutions for affordability and quality of education. Kaylah personally loves that UNCG is committed to inclusion and diversity on campus. She says, “I am looking forward to learning more about the industry that I love and am passionate about. I am also looking forward to learning and meeting my peers who also share the same interests and passions as me.” In her spare time, Kaylah enjoys sewing, making jewelry and accessories, shopping, catching up on TV shows, and hanging out with family and friends.
We’re happy to welcome these three new students to the PhD program in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies and wish them the best with their academic journeys!
