Rachel Lomonaco-Benzing

Rachel Lomonaco-Benzing is an NTT Assistant Professor at Kent State University's School of Fashion Design and Merchandising within the College of the Arts. She holds a Ph.D. in Textile and Apparel Management from the University of Missouri-Columbia (2018) and an M.S. from the University of Rhode Island (2009), focusing on sustainable practices in fashion education. Her research emphasizes innovative teaching methods, B2B sharing enterprises, and sustainable production. Prior to academia, she worked in sustainable entrepreneurship at Preserve (a B Corp), managing product lifecycle initiatives and take-back recycling systems. She has taught at institutions including the University of Missouri, University of Rhode Island, Fisher College, and the Met School.

Her professional experience spans textile testing, retail fabric sales, and apparel alterations, complementing her academic work. Rachel’s industry insights inform her curriculum development efforts, particularly in integrating sustainability across fashion programs. She is affiliated with Kent State’s Fashion School, located at 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent, OH.