The Research Assistant will support Assistant Professor Anna Lerner-Zwick in multiple projects related to her research initiative, “Traces of Motherhood.” The assistant will play a key role in designing and working on a new exciting project in the field between design, medicine and function.
This position is designed to be collaborative and immersive. The Research Assistant will be considered an integral part of the project, contributing meaningfully to its outcomes. Assistant Professor Lerner-Zwick is committed to providing a rich learning experience, ensuring the assistant gains substantial knowledge, skills, and insight while actively participating in the research process.
Outcomes and Goals for this year:
One major project for 2026/2027 focuses on a very exciting collaboration between a maternal fetal doctor in NYC and Anna Lerner-Zwick, redesigning and sampling garments for women in maternity care. In addition to that the work will also be to support the making and development of a collection to get ready for a future art exhibition around the theme of motherhood as well as supporting the next conference preparations.
Here more information about the research topic:
The research explores “traces of motherhood”- the intersection of textile, birth, design, and motherhood. It investigates lived experiences of motherhood and artist-life, examining how art portrays women and birth, and how women reflect on motherhood in their practice. Building on scholarship around design systems that center the female body, birthing people, and women’s rights, this work contributes to the underrepresented field of female experience in art and design, particularly suppressed voices tied to birth and care. Through craft, making, and experimental garments, the project uses textiles and material processes to reflect themes of motherhood, identity, and care.