Ms. Aya Abdelmeguid, Cranfield Univesrity, United Kingdom.
Aya Abdelmeguid is a passionate researcher and academic, specializing in the circular economy and its application within the fashion industry. Recently, she completed a PhD at Cranfield University, where her thesis focused on the transition to circular fashion, addressing the challenges and strategies for implementing sustainable business practices. With a strong background in empirical research, she is skilled at analyzing consumer behavior, industry trends, and the complexities of transitioning to a circular economy. Aya’s commitment to sustainability and academic excellence is evident through her published work, teaching experience, and ongoing contributions to the field.
Profile
scopus
Strengths for the Award
- Academic Excellence and Research Impact: Abdelmeguid’s research on transitioning to circular fashion is both timely and critical, as the fashion industry seeks to adopt more sustainable practices. Her publications in reputable journals such as Sustainable Production and Consumption and Circular Economy and Sustainability illustrate her deep understanding and innovative approach to tackling sustainability issues.
- Relevant Skills and Methodologies: Abdelmeguid is skilled in empirical research, data analysis, SPSS, and statistical analysis, which are essential tools for producing high-quality, data-driven research. Her focus on circular economy and sustainable business strategies highlights her dedication to impactful research.
- Recognition and Awards: Her academic journey is marked by awards such as the Baxi Prize and the Outstanding Cambridge International Examinations Learner award, which underscore her strong track record of academic performance.
- Presentation and Collaboration: She has presented her research at multiple international symposia, demonstrating her ability to communicate her findings and contribute to the global discourse on sustainability.
- Professional Experience: Her work as a Circular Economy Consultant and her internship with Circular Earth have provided her with practical insights, making her research not only theoretically significant but also applicable to real-world issues.
Areas for Improvement
- Expansion of Research Scope: While her research is rich in focus on circular fashion, expanding her analysis to include other high-impact industries could broaden her influence in the field of sustainability and circular economy.
- Increased Collaboration and Networking: Engaging in collaborative projects across diverse fields and regions might enhance the interdisciplinary impact of her research, potentially opening avenues for new perspectives and methodologies.
- Skill Development in Advanced Statistical Tools: Although she has experience with SPSS, exploring other advanced tools like R or Python for data analysis could add depth to her analytical capabilities and support more complex data interpretations.
Education 📚
Aya holds a Master of Science (MSc) in Human Resources and Organisations from the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), where she completed her thesis on sentiment analytics for post-training knowledge retention. She also earned a PhD in Circular Economy from Cranfield University, where her thesis was centered on exploring the transition to circular fashion, analyzing industry trends and consumer behavior. Additionally, she holds a BA (Hons) in Business Management and Human Resource Management from De Montfort University, where she graduated with the highest honors.
Work Experience 💼
Aya’s professional experience spans various roles in academia and the circular economy sector. She served as an Administrative and Leadership DBA Teaching Assistant at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport, where she supported academic modules and responded to student inquiries. As a Circular Economy Consultant for Closed Loop Fashion, she conducted stakeholder mapping, performed on-site visits, and assessed textile waste handling processes. Aya has also worked as an Executive Assistant and Circular Economy Project Assistant, contributing significantly to various sustainability projects.
Research Interests 🔬
Aya’s research interests revolve around the challenges and opportunities presented by the circular economy, particularly in the fashion industry. She focuses on sustainable business strategies, consumer behavior, industry trends, and the challenges associated with implementing circular practices. Her work aims to identify strategies that promote circular behavior along the fashion value chain and create sustainable solutions for the textile industry.
Awards 🏆
Aya has received numerous accolades for her academic achievements. She was awarded the Baxi Prize for being the highest-achieving Business Management and Human Resource Management student at De Montfort University in 2019. Aya was also named Student of the Year for her foundation certificate in Business in 2016 and received the Outstanding Cambridge International Examinations Learner award for achieving the top score in AS Business Studies in her region.
Publications 📑
Aya Abdelmeguid has contributed extensively to the academic literature in the field of circular economy and sustainability in fashion. Below are her key publications:
- Abdelmeguid, A., Afy-Shararah, M., & Salonitis, K. (2022). Investigating the challenges of applying the principles of the circular economy in the fashion industry: A systematic review. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 32, 505–518. Link to publication
- Abdelmeguid, A., Afy-Shararah, M., & Salonitis, K. (2023). Mapping of the Circular Economy Implementation Challenges in the Fashion Industry: A Fuzzy-TISM Analysis. Circular Economy and Sustainability. Link to publication
- Abdelmeguid, A., Afy-Shararah, M., & Salonitis, K. (2024). Towards circular fashion: Management strategies promoting circular behavior along the value chain. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 48, 143–156. Link to publication
- Abdelmeguid, A., Tsironis, G., Afy-Shararah, M., Tsagarakis, K., & Salonitis, K. Insights into Sustainability and Circular Economy Trends in Luxury Fashion: A LinkedIn Topic Modelling Study. Cleaner and Responsible Consumption.
Conclusion
Aya Abdelmeguid is a strong contender for the “Best Researcher Award” based on her academic accomplishments, relevant skills, and commitment to advancing sustainability practices within the circular economy. Her focus on circular fashion aligns with current global sustainability goals, and her publications reflect both academic rigor and practical relevance. With continued professional development and an expanded research focus, her contributions to the field are likely to grow, making her well-deserving of this recognition.