Roberta Panzanelli

Roberta Panzanelli is an Assistant Professor in the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Otis College of Art and Design, with additional teaching responsibilities in the Fashion Design Department. Her academic and professional career spans decades, including over a decade at the Getty Research Institute and roles at Polimoda in Italy.

• Education: Ph.D. Art History, UCLA (1999); M.A. Art History, UCLA (1991); B.A. Art History, Pitzer College (1988)

Her research focuses on the intersections of art history and fashion theory, with expertise in Renaissance visual culture, polychrome and wax sculpture, popular culture, and trend forecasting. Her publications explore topics ranging from sensory pilgrimage experiences to the role of wax effigies in Renaissance Florence.

Recent scholarship includes analyzing artistic trends and material culture in the Renaissance Quarterly and contributing to exhibition catalogs like The Color of Life at the Getty. Her work bridges historical art practices with contemporary fashion studies.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Vinciana Scholarship at UCLA
  • 2022 Otis College Faculty Development Award
  • 2008 UCDA Excellence Award
  • PROSE Awards Honorable Mention

Dr. Panzanelli also provides editorial assistance for scientific texts and supervises fashion design capstone projects at Otis College.