Dr Kerri Akiwowo is a Textile Practitioner-Researcher and Lecturer in Textiles at the School of the Arts, English and Drama. Her PhD is in Digital laser-dyeing: coloration and patterning techniques for polyester textiles, attained at Loughborough University in 2015. More broadly, her creative practice, research and pedagogical approach encompasses:  Textile Design; Textile Patterning and Coloration Processes; Textiles for Apparel; Dress History; Digital Design Technologies; and Research Informed Teaching within Design Education.  Kerri has formerly held both technical and academic posts including: Research Associate at the Textile Futures Research Group (now Centre/TFRC), University of the Arts London; Dye Technician in the School of Fashion and Textiles at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design; Print Technician at London College of Fashion; and Senior Lecturer in Printed Textile Design at De Montfort University. Kerri currently contributes to the undergraduate programme at Loughborough University - BA (Hons) Textiles: Innovation and Design through: studio teaching, lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, assessment, enterprise activity, collaboration, project supervision; and as Module Leader, Academic Advisor and Personal Tutor. Kerri also delivers lectures to the postgraduate taught programme - MA Art & Design (Studio Practice) and has co-supervised postgraduate research studies. External facing activities include: student recruitment, university wide open days, student competitions, collaboration, Première Vision Designs, Paris and New Designers, London. Kerri is a member of the Textile Design Research Group  at Loughborough University.

In her research, Kerri primarily focuses on new design processes and materials, existing and emerging digital technologies, smart fabrics, performance sportswear and technical textiles, experimental approaches in printed textiles, patterning and surface design and functional aesthetics.  Current areas of investigation include: integrated digital practice for textile design research and development; digital laser-dye coloration and patterning approaches for textiles and garments; hybrid garment identities explored through novel fibres and textile design interpretations; and thermo-chromic and liquid crystal temperature sensitive screen-printing technologies for textiles, wearable displays and sports apparel. Kerri has disseminated her practice and research nationally and internationally via conferences, seminars, symposia, journal papers, book contributions and exhibitions. Exhibited works include showing at: The Roundhouse; the Institute of Contemporary Arts; the Science Museum (all London); Loughborough University; and the Design and Architecture Gallery in Tallin, Estonia.

As a practitioner, Kerri has worked as a freelance and studio textile designer specialising in screen and digitally printed textiles, hand painted textiles, novel surface techniques and textile finishes for denim; and engineered placement design for lace and embroidered fashion. In this capacity, she sold designs to fashion and apparel labels such as Miu Miu, Victoria Secret and Next. Former enterprise activity includes designing and creating textile products for the home and body, selling items directly to the public and through retail channels. Kerri set up a Limited ‘Ltd.’ Company (now dissolved) and has previously owned a UK registered trademark under class 24 – Textiles, bedding, cushions; and class 25 – Clothing, footwear, head gear. Kerri currently claims unregistered trademark, Digital Laser Dyed Textiles™. Her textile designs and conceptual explorations have attracted attention from organisations such as global trend forecaster WGSN; The Future Laboratory; The Design and Technology Association; the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IMO3); as well as international apparel brands such as Triumph and Speedo. She has worked with fellow textile designers, fashion designers, textile consultants, materials specialists, engineers, scientists, historians and a professional chartered society in both discipline specific and interdisciplinary contexts.