Michelle Stephens

Dr. Michelle Stephens is a Lecturer in Design Contexts at Manchester School of Art, Manchester Metropolitan University. She holds a practice-based PhD ('Coded Cloth') from the university's MIRIAD program (2015-2019), supported by the North West Doctoral Training Partnership. Her work merges digital and physical textile methods, focusing on reanimating historical patterns through computational design. She has exhibited globally, including at the British Textile Biennial and Lodz's International Triennial of Tapestry.

Her research examines technology’s role in textile preservation, particularly through Processing coding and jacquard weave design. Notable projects include 'Relocating the Loom' (exploring Cordillera weaving traditions) and 'Reanimated Archives' (showcasing historical pattern revival). She co-authored a book chapter on generative algorithms in textile art and contributed to exhibitions addressing craft’s role in sustainability and decolonization.

Stephens' teaching spans interdisciplinary design courses, emphasizing historical and digital synthesis. She collaborated on the 'CSTFW' project evaluating weaving’s cultural impact in the Philippines and co-authored reports on mathematical symmetry in indigenous textiles. Current projects focus on digitizing craft knowledge to counteract cultural erosion.