Professor Carolyn Hardaker is currently Head of School of Fashion and Textiles at De Montfort University.  With a postgraduate background in Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacture, Carolyn’s design specialism centres on the use of digital design applications in the Fashion and Textiles curriculum; covering a wide range of applications in the design process and value chain. 

Carolyn has developed learning opportunities through her extensive industry, educational and livery networks. This has included collaborations with industry partners such as Lectra, and the development of EU and government funded research studies in the use of CAD and its pedagogy. Her academic career spans 30 years and in this time, Carolyn has worked with many hundreds of students who are now established industry professionals.

A keen advocate of design education and responsible design, Carolyn was awarded the title of Professor of Learning and Teaching in 2018 and led the School to a Green Gown award for Next Generation Learning and Skills in 2021. An active contributor to the national Fashion and Textiles educational discourse, Carolyn is currently the co-chair of the UK's Fashion and Textile Courses Subject Association.