Joshua Zacharia Mollel is an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (Textile Section) at the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He holds a Master of Science in Apparel, Merchandising, and Textiles from Washington State University (WSU), USA, and a Bachelor of Science in Textile Design and Technology from the University of Dar es Salaam. During his studies at WSU, he received several recognitions, including Second Prize in the Marriott Linen Makeover Design Competition, Second Place in the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition, and the Graduate Student Instructor Award.
His areas of specialization span apparel merchandising (management), design, and textiles. He has published in peer-reviewed international journals, including Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal, and Young Consumers.
Mr. Mollel has contributed to applied research and innovation initiatives, including the development and commercialization of reusable face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the development of measurement and material specifications for University of Dar es Salaam graduation gowns. He has also been involved in the development of textile and fashion curricula for National Technical Awards (NTA) Levels 4 to 8 and in the preparation of secondary school textbooks in clothing and textiles. In addition, has participated in symposia and professional forums as a presenter and panelist, and has also been invited as a guest speaker in media engagements on topics related to apparel and textiles.
Prior to joining academia, he worked in the textile and apparel manufacturing industry, progressing to managerial responsibilities and supporting production, quality compliance, and export coordination with international stakeholders.
At the University of Dar es Salaam, he teaches courses in apparel merchandising, design, and textiles, and is actively engaged in research, consultancy, and community outreach.
Textile and Apparel Product Development (Design) | Computer-Aided Design, and Computer Aided Manufacturing for Textile and Apparel | Apparel manufacturing technology | Apparel Quality Management | Social Psychology of Dress (with Multi-Cultural Perspectives) | Apparel Merchandising in Production, Fashion, and Retail aspects | Marketing in Textile and Fashion | Social Networking and Omni-channel Retailing in Fashion | Digital and Smart Technologies in Fashion Retail | Textile and Apparel product Branding and Management | Supply Chain Management in Apparel and Textile Industry
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2024 – Designed and constructed a garment using discarded materials; showcased at the Washington State Recycling Association (WSRA) Trashion Fashion Show (USA).
2023 – Product development through upcycling of hotel linen waste to mitigate textile overconsumption and waste in the USA
2022 – Contributed to the Development of measurement and material specifications for University of Dar es Salaam graduation gowns.
2020 – Contributed to the Development and commercialization of UDSM three-layer high-tech reusable face masks.
Chi, T., Tymoshchuk, O., Mollel, J., Chen, Y., Chao, L., & Shen, L. (2026). Unlocking the appeal: An empirical study of apparel blind box adoption among Gen Z Consumers. Journal of Global Scholars of Marketing Science, 36(3), 453–484. https://doi.org/10.1080/21639159.2026.2680415
Chi, T., Duquaine, M., Mollel, J., & Doria, J. (2026). Sustainability signaling through PR gifting to social media influencers: A brand perspective: A brand perspective. Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal, 54(4). https://doi.org/10.1002/fcsr.70055
Mollel, J., & Chen, Y. (2025). Does AR virtual try-on boost online apparel purchase intentions? an integration of TAM, IDT, fit perception and body esteem. Young Consumers, 26(3), 385- 402. https://doi.org/10.1108/yc-08-2024-2196
Mollel, J. Z. (2024). Does it fit the body? Scenario-experimental evaluation of augmented reality technology-based virtual try-on in apparel (Master's thesis, Washington State University). Research Exchange. https://doi.org/10.7273/000006957
Nhelekwa, L. B., Mollel, J. Z., & Taifa, I. W. R. (2022). Assessing the digitalisation level of the Tanzanian Apparel Industry: Industry 4.0 perspectives. Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, 28(2), 185–205. https://doi.org/10.1108/rjta-11-2021-0138.
Mollel, J., Joseph, C., Msalilwa, L., Mahwera, D., & Bigambo, P. (2020). Rethinking the promotion of Tanzania’s local textile industries in producing diverse textile materials. In University of Dar es Salaam (Eds.), A book of policy briefs of studies on implications of COVID19 pandemic in Tanzania (pp. 21-22). University of Dar es Salaam. https://www.udsm.ac.tz/web/index.php/centres/covid-19/a-book-of-policy-briefs-of-studies-onimplications-of-covid-19-pandemic-in-tanzania