Dr. Sonika has been involved in design education, practice and research since last 24 years. She has authored and presented several research papers and designed and set up installations at national and international conferences. Her work focusses not only on theoretical research on design process/pedagogies but also on its application in product development (Fashion and Textiles) with a very close consideration of using craft and craft technique. She was a head of research committee of the IFFTI 2022 Conference, and a member of the organizing committee for GFC 2024. She has also designed costumes for “Paheli”, the 2005 Oscar nominated film in foreign language category - directed by Amol Palekar. She has published a book called DHAROHAR which is based on documentation of costumes and accessories in the collection of Kelkar Museum, Pune, Maharashtra published by Copal Publishing House. One of her garment entries called “Ganga: to Earth from Heaven” was selected as one of four finalists from India at the World of Wearable Art (2018) in Wellington New Zealand. She is also a co-founder of a brand called,” Beyni-Boi”. Her areas of expertise and research area include design process, zero waste pattern making, experimental draping, visible mending, and material manipulation.