“Tara’s passion for design, combined with her curiosity about technology, has enabled her to master complex technical skills. She is resilient, forward-thinking, and truly a joy to work with. Her collaborative spirit has greatly strengthened the UI research community.  – Monica Correia 

Hometown: Orange City, Iowa

Faculty mentor/advisor: Monica Correia, MFA, professor of 3D design, School of Art, Art History, and Design, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Degree program and anticipated graduation date: BFA in 3D Design, Spring 2026

Tara Joiner creates three-dimensional woven forms using a custom-designed loom, allowing textiles for upholstery to be made seamlessly. This approach reduces waste in furniture design, where traditional upholstery often requires significant material loss from seams. 

“I have been able to apply the knowledge I gained from research to my personal projects and learned how to present my work to different audiences,” says Joiner. “My experience with research has enhanced what I'm learning in class and allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of design.”

Her work was supported by an Independent Creative Research by Undergraduates fellowship from the Office of Undergraduate Research in the 2024-2025 academic year. Beyond the classroom and the studio, she has completed internships with Nasini Architetti in Milan, Italy, and Allsteel in Muscatine, Iowa. 

After graduation, Joiner plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Architecture and build a career as an architect and designer, continuing to integrate sustainability into her creative work.