Impacts of AI on the Fashion Industry: The Future of Fashion

Kaitlyn Cunningham, Verrazzano Class of 2026, completed major in Business Marketing   

I chose my research topic based on my own experience working in the fashion industry as a model over the past few years. I’ve seen a lot of changes happen recently, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence, and it made me curious about what was going on behind the scenes. I started noticing a rise in digital content, data-driven decisions, and even AI-generated models being used in campaigns. Because of that, I was wanted to learn more about how AI is affecting the industry and what it could mean for people like me who are part of it.

Before starting this capstone, I thought it would mostly just be about finding sources and putting information together into different sections. I didn’t expect it to be as in-depth as it was, and I realized there was a lot more to it once I started researching. I had to think about different perspectives, especially when it came to ethical issues like privacy, bias, and job loss. It ended up being more about analyzing and understanding the impact of AI rather than just explaining what it is.

One of my biggest challenges was narrowing down my topic, because AI in fashion covers so many different areas. I wanted to include everything, but I had to figure out what was most important and relevant to me. Another challenge was making sure I was using my sources correctly and connecting them to my ideas. Some parts were easier, especially when I was writing about the modeling industry and AI-generated models, because I could relate it to my own experiences. Something that surprised me was how much AI is already being used in ways people don’t even realize, like predicting trends or managing inventory. I didn’t realize how advanced and common it already is.

If I were to continue this research I would want to focus on how AI is going to affect jobs in the fashion industry long-term, especially for models, designers, and other creative roles. Overall, this project helped me understand that AI is changing the fashion industry in a lot of ways, both good and bad. It can make things more efficient and personalized, but it also raises important issues like privacy, fairness, and authenticity. The biggest thing I am taking away from this is that AI is something that is actively shaping the future of the fashion industry. As someone who is part of it, doing this capstone made me think about how these changes could affect my career and the importance of balancing technology with human creativity. 

Reducing Postpartum Hemorrhage: Evidence-Based Nursing Practices in the Immediate Postpartum Period

Jacqueline Marchese, Verrazzano Class of 2026, completed major in Nursing

 

My capstone project focused on reducing postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), which is excessive bleeding after childbirth, through evidence-based nursing practices during the immediate postpartum period. PPH is one of the leading causes of maternal complications and death worldwide, yet it is often preventable with early recognition and timely intervention. The goal of my research was to examine how specific nursing actions - such as accurately measuring blood loss, following standardized care protocols, and working collaboratively with the healthcare team—can improve patient outcomes and reduce the severity of hemorrhage.

Through reviewing current research, I found that nurses play a critical role in identifying early warning signs because they are continuously at the patient’s bedside. Interventions like quantitative blood loss (QBL), which involves measuring rather than estimating bleeding, help detect complications sooner. Additionally, the use of structured care bundles ensures that all members of the healthcare team respond quickly and consistently. Simulation training and interprofessional education were also shown to improve communication and preparedness during emergencies. Another key finding was that postpartum care does not end after the first 24 hours. Complications such as delayed hemorrhage can occur up to six weeks after delivery, making patient education and awareness essential even after discharge. Overall, the research reinforced that strong nursing assessment skills, teamwork, and patient education are vital in preventing serious outcomes related to PPH.

I chose this research area because of my interest in maternal and newborn nursing, particularly the importance of safety during and after childbirth. During my clinical experiences, I saw how quickly postpartum conditions can change, and how essential it is for nurses to act promptly. I was motivated by the idea that improving education and awareness could directly impact patient outcomes and potentially save lives.

Before starting this capstone, I expected the process to be more straightforward, mainly involving gathering articles and summarizing information. However, it turned out to be much more in-depth and analytical than I anticipated. I had to carefully evaluate research studies, identify common themes, and connect findings in a meaningful way. It also required strong organization and time management skills to synthesize a large amount of information into a clear and cohesive paper.

One of the most challenging aspects was narrowing down the research and selecting the most relevant studies from thousands of available articles. It was also challenging to ensure that all information remained focused on nursing practice rather than becoming too broad or medical in general. On the other hand, one of the easier and more enjoyable aspects was connecting the research to real-life nursing practice. I found it rewarding to see how the evidence directly supports what nurses do in clinical settings. I was also surprised by how much of an impact non-pharmacological intervention, such as breastfeeding and patient education, can have on preventing complications.

In the future, this research could be expanded by exploring postpartum hemorrhage management beyond the hospital setting, such as in community health or telehealth follow-ups. It would also be valuable to examine how different hospitals implement postpartum safety protocols and how patient outcomes compare. Additionally, further research could focus on improving patient education tools, such as discharge instructions or identification methods for postpartum patients in emergency settings.

Overall, this capstone experience has strengthened my understanding of evidence-based practice and the importance of continuous learning in nursing. I have gained confidence in analyzing research and applying it to clinical care. Most importantly, I am taking away a deeper appreciation for the nurse’s role in patient advocacy, education, and safety. This experience has reinforced my commitment to providing high-quality, informed care and has prepared me to enter practice with a stronger foundation in both knowledge and critical thinking.

Human Resource Practices & Workplace Behavior/Ethics

Cody Smith, Verrazzano Class of 2026, completed major in Business Management and minor in Business Finance

As a Business Management major, I decided to focus on workplace harassment for my capstone, as that is an important part of human resources. Most of my classes were heavily focused on human resources and how to help employees in the right way, which helped with my decision for my research.

I expected the capstone to be quite difficult, as I don't consider myself great at writing long research papers, but it wasn't so bad overall. I see myself as a quick and to-the-point writer, so I'm not good at writing long detailed answers. I also find searching for valid research to be difficult, as I find most articles aren't viable or relate to my topic well enough, especially if it's a niche topic.

If I expanded my research on this topic I would begin by looking at additional articles that talk about strategies to prevent and control harassment. What I've found out from this research is that companies have several steps to control and prevent harassment, and that prevention is key to a healthy work environment.

Working with a mentor was interesting, as I've never done a project that involved a mentor before. It was a fun and unique experience, and I enjoyed presenting my poster at the Undergraduate Research Conference this spring.