IU senior Kennedy Obermeier earns Provost's Award for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity

Source: Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education

Kennedy Obermeier, a senior at Indiana University studying Fashion Design and Corporate Innovation, has been named a winner of the Provost’s Award for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity in the Creative and Performing Arts category.

The Provost’s Award, created in 2010, is meant to recognize undergraduates who take the lead or collaborate on excellent or original academic work. Mentoring professors are encouraged to nominate students for the award with the winners being selected by a committee of faculty and administrators.

Obermeier’s work in fashion design focuses on accessibility in clothing for individuals with disabilities. Partnering with the Runway of Dreams Foundation, Obermeier submitted a case study on designing a line of adaptive clothing for Abercrombie and Fitch.

“Although it’s an honor to earn a Provost’s Award, winning this award proves that other people also envision and appreciate a future in inclusivity,” Obermeier said. “By winning this award, I’m not only representing Indiana University, but also the Runway of Dreams Foundation. I am indescribably grateful to be a part of both organizations.”

Each garment in the collection designed by Obermeier features a functionality component that creates ease in dressing. Her research included pre-existing accessible clothing brands and interviews with multiple individuals with a variety of disabilities.

In addition to her work with Abercrombie and Fitch, Obermeier completed a 2022 summer internship with Macy’s in New York City and worked as a teaching assistant at IU’s Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design.

Obermeier will begin a full-time technical design position with Abercrombie and Fitch in July with the hopes of implementing her work in accessibility and contributing to a more inclusive industry.

“I would not be working my dream job right out of college if it weren’t for all of the opportunities I have been given at Indiana University,” Obermeier said.