Gozde Goncu-Berk

Gozde Goncu-Berk is an Associate Professor of Design at the University of California, Davis, leading the WearLab research group. She specializes in wearable technology, focusing on smart clothing and electronic textiles for individuals with special needs, including those with chronic diseases, disabilities, the elderly, and children. Her work integrates industrial design and textile engineering to address contextual challenges in health and environmental adaptation.

• Education: Ph.D. Design (University of Minnesota), M.A. Clothing Design (Mimar Sinan University of Fine Arts), B.S. Industrial Design (Istanbul Technical University)

Her research interests span tactile sensory stimulation clothing for anxiety management (CalmWear), bladder monitoring undergarments (Privee), and adaptive designs for children's face masks. She collaborates across disciplines, notably with the Electrical and Computer Engineering department.

Recent publications include articles in the Textile Research Journal and presentations at conferences like the Design Research Society and International Textile and Apparel Association. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary innovation, sustainability, and user-centered design principles.

• Awards: 2024 International Achievement Award (Advanced Textiles Association), 2023 UC Davis Faculty Development Award, 2022 Advanced Textile Association Excellence Award, 2021 Hellman Fellowship.

She advises graduate students such as Ruoyu Zhang (PhD candidate in ECE) and Rova Cigdem Yilmaz (Design). Her grants include Hellman Foundation support for CalmWear and UC Davis funding for tactile stimulation research. WearLab serves as her primary platform for advancing wearable tech innovations.