HaEun Chae is an Assistant Professor of Fashion Merchandising and Design in the School of Design. She earned her Ph.D. in Apparel, Merchandising, and Design from Iowa State University. Her research centers on the design and development of functional and sustainable apparel and soft-goods products, with a focus on human-centered design, circular fashion practices, and solutions that enhance both human well-being and environmental sustainability. Through user-centered research and creative design practice, she explores user needs and translates research insights into innovative design solutions. Her creative design scholarship, presented through juried design exhibitions, further reflects her commitment to research through practice. As an educator, she emphasizes experiential and active learning that integrates sustainability and technology while helping students develop the communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills needed to address real-world challenges.