Meet The Team
Dr Tulin Dzhengiz
Dr Tulin Dzhengiz is a Senior Lecturer in Sustainability at Manchester Metropolitan University. Her research explores corporate sustainability, circular economy transitions, and inter-organisational collaboration. As Principal Investigator of the Orchestrating Sustainability project, Tulin leads research on how circular fashion ecosystems emerge in the UK, focusing on stakeholder roles and collaborative dynamics. She brings extensive expertise in ecosystem governance and a deep interest in socially just circular transitions, drawing on research in both the UK and Turkey.
Dr Alaa Abed
Dr Alaa Abed is a Lecturer in Innovation and Sustainability at Manchester Metropolitan University. Her research focuses on R&D, sustainability, and strategic business, using advanced quantitative methods. As Co-Investigator on the Orchestrating Sustainability project, she examines how the UK’s circular fashion ecosystem is developing, with a particular focus on ecosystem orchestration. Her expertise adds a valuable analytical lens to the project’s exploration of innovation and system change.
Patrick Olaniyi
TPatrick Olaniyi is a PhD researcher in sustainable supply chain innovation at Manchester Metropolitan University. With over a decade of experience in global supply chains, Patrick brings practical insight and academic rigour to the Orchestrating Sustainability project. His current work supports the investigation of circularity within the UK fashion sector, linking supply chain innovation, digital technologies, and ecosystem development
Niamh Cusack
Niamh Cusack is a a PhD researcher in wearable innovation at Manchester Metropolitan University. With a strong background in design-led research, wearable technology, and user experience, Niamh brings a creative and human-centred perspective to the project. Her work supports the exploration of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability within fashion, helping to uncover how circular systems can be more inclusive, effective, and future-ready.
Professor Sally Randles
Professor Sally Randles co-leads an ESRC-funded project investigating how places can become more equitable, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable through circular society innovation (CSI). Focusing on Greater Manchester as a test-bed, the project collaborates with key stakeholders to evaluate CSI initiatives and deliver evidence-based recommendations for policymakers and practitioners. Sally also mentors the Orchestrate project, providing ongoing support to the team.
Dr. Samuli Patala
Dr. Samuli Patala is an Assistant Professor at Aalto University School of Business, specialising in systemic sustainability transitions. His research explores how sectors collaborate to enable circular economy practices, particularly in textiles. Samuli brings deep expertise in ecosystems, partnerships, and institutional change, and contributes to Orchestrate through research insights and co-authored publications on circular transitions.
Dr. Andra Riandita
Dr. Andra Riandita is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Stavanger, Norway, focusing on sustainability-driven innovation and entrepreneurship. Her work spans industries including fashion, food, and energy, with a particular interest in green start-ups and eco-innovation. Andra contributes to the Orchestrate project through research collaboration and co-authored publications exploring circular partnerships and sustainable business ecosystems.
Dr. Asha K. S. Nair
Dr. Asha Nair is an Assistant Professor at Amrita School of Business, India, with expertise in strategic management and sustainability. Her research focuses on integrating circular economy into business strategy through capabilities, mindsets, and institutional theory. Asha supports the Orchestrate project through co-authored research, offering valuable perspectives on sustainability transitions and collaborative ecosystems..