Kirsten Schoonmaker

Kirsten Schoonmaker is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Fashion Design program at Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. She joined in 2017, specializing in teaching fashion construction, draping, and contemporary fashion theory. Her background bridges academic instruction with professional experience in textile conservation and costume construction.

Education:

• M.A., Fashion Institute of Technology
• B.A., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• A.A., Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising

Research & Professional Experience: Schoonmaker’s work focuses on making historical garment techniques accessible for study and artistic inspiration. She previously served as Assistant Conservator of Textiles at the Shelburne Museum, a Kress Fellow with the New York State Bureau of Historic Sites, and collaborated with institutions like the Museum at FIT and Cooper Hewitt. She currently holds roles in the Textile Specialty Group of the American Institute for Conservation, including organizing preventive conservation workshops.

Labs/Teams: Engaged with conservation initiatives through academic and museum partnerships, emphasizing historical textile preservation and education.