Feature Stories
![Deidre Tao](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/320x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/alumni/alumni-features/tao-header-845X450.png?text=fallback320)
Deidre Tao ’93: How to build a successful art career
With a strong foundation in studio arts acquired at UMassD, Tao turned her passion into a career as a self-represented artist.
![Mike Joyce](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/320x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/features/2022/MJ-653X616.jpg?text=fallback320)
Mike Joyce '85: Bringing PrimaLoft's research in biodegradability to UMassD
Joyce, CEO of PrimaLoft, Inc., sparked the creation of a biodegradability testing lab at UMassD to study the breakdown of microplastics