Ali Howell Abolo

Biography

Dr. Howell is an educator, scholar, and academic leader whose work is rooted in critical and intersectional theory and a commitment to social justice. Prior to joining Montclair State University, she served as Program Director and Associate Professor of Fashion Design at Drexel University.

Her scholarship examines dress practices and human behavior, focusing on how identity, power, and lived experience are expressed through fashion. Viewing research as a tool for connection, particularly with communities historically excluded from academic discourse, she works to make scholarly inquiry accessible and meaningful both within and beyond the university. Dr. Howell is deeply intentional about integrating students into her research projects, employing a mentorship-by-doing model that demystifies academic work.

In the classroom, Dr. Howell practices a compassionate pedagogy, designing courses that guide students through research methods using active, inclusive, and reflective learning to make fashion education relevant and tractable for every student.

She holds a Ph.D. in Design and Human Environment from Oregon State University, as well as an M.S. in Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising and a B.S. in Human and Consumer Science from Ohio University.

Resume/CV

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Publications

Recent Published Works

Howell Abolo, A. and Tarannum, S.  (2025). Generational practice of upcycling Banarasi sarees among Bangladeshi women. El lujo en los tejidos y la moda. 5th Colloquium of Textile and Fashion Researchers Luxury in Fabrics and Fashion 1. [bi-lingual Spanish/English]. ISBN: 978-84-09-75613-1

Howell Abolo, A. (2024). Aso Ebi, the Nigerian Uniform: A Multifaceted Tradition. In J.B. Eicher & D.H. Ross (Ed.). Berg Encyclopedia of World Dress and Fashion: Africa. Oxford: Berg Publishers.   http://dx.doi.org/10.2752/9781847888501.Edch012710

 Howell Abolo, A. (2024). The uniform project 2016 - 2023: A guided inquiry approach to understanding overconsumption of fashion goods. Journal of Textile Science & Fashion Technology 10 (4) 1 – 7. https://irispublishers.com/jtsft/pdf/JTSFT.MS.ID.000749.pdf

Exhibitions

Howell Abolo, A., and Martínez, P. (2026). Aso ebi: Threads of tradition. [Exhibition]. Robert and Penny Fox Historic Costume Collection. Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA. 

Media 

Wolfman-Arent, A., & Gregg, C. (Hosts). (7 April 2026). American couture: Freedom of style or fashion decline? [Audio podcast episode]. In Studio 2. WHYY. https://whyy.org/episodes/fashion-business-casual-dress-code/