Great products are built where creativity, technical expertise, and consumer insight come together. Throughout my career, I've developed a unique perspective by working across apparel design, product development, manufacturing, retail, and textile research—allowing me to see the product lifecycle from concept to consumer. I bring experience translating ideas into thoughtfully designed, technically sound products through material selection, pattern development, prototyping, fit evaluation, technical problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration. Whether improving product performance, exploring innovative materials, or refining manufacturing processes, I'm driven by creating products that are functional, meaningful, and built to last. My professional experience in apparel manufacturing and product development is complemented by my ongoing Ph.D. studies in Apparel, Merchandising, and Design, where I specialize in textile science, functional apparel, sustainable product innovation, and digital product development technologies. This combination enables me to bridge creative design with analytical thinking—using research, testing, and user insights to make informed product decisions while keeping the consumer at the center of the process. I enjoy working with designers, developers, sourcing teams, engineers, and manufacturing partners to solve complex challenges and bring innovative products to market. From apparel and soft goods to material innovation and digital fabrication, I thrive in collaborative environments where curiosity, continuous learning, and thoughtful design drive exceptional products. As the apparel industry continues to evolve, I'm excited by opportunities to develop products that push the boundaries of performance, sustainability, and user experience while creating meaningful value for both brands and consumers. Areas of Expertise • Apparel Product Development • Product Design & Innovation • Technical Design & Pattern Development • Functional & Performance Apparel • Materials Development & Textile Science • Product Testing & Performance Evaluation • Sustainable Product Development • Digital Product Development (CLO 3D, Gerber AccuMark, Adobe Creative Suite) • Digital Fabrication & Prototyping • Apparel Manufacturing & Production • Cross-Functional Product Development • Consumer-Centered Design

Courtney Barbour

Great products are built where creativity, technical expertise, and consumer insight come together. Throughout my career, I've developed a unique perspective by working across apparel design, product development, manufacturing, retail, and textile research—allowing me to see the product lifecycle from concept to consumer. I bring experience translating ideas into thoughtfully designed, technically sound products through material selection, pattern development, prototyping, fit evaluation, technical problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration. Whether improving product performance, exploring innovative materials, or refining manufacturing processes, I'm driven by creating products that are functional, meaningful, and built to last. My professional experience in apparel manufacturing and product development is complemented by my ongoing Ph.D. studies in Apparel, Merchandising, and Design, where I specialize in textile science, functional apparel, sustainable product innovation, and digital product development technologies. This combination enables me to bridge creative design with analytical thinking—using research, testing, and user insights to make informed product decisions while keeping the consumer at the center of the process. I enjoy working with designers, developers, sourcing teams, engineers, and manufacturing partners to solve complex challenges and bring innovative products to market. From apparel and soft goods to material innovation and digital fabrication, I thrive in collaborative environments where curiosity, continuous learning, and thoughtful design drive exceptional products. As the apparel industry continues to evolve, I'm excited by opportunities to develop products that push the boundaries of performance, sustainability, and user experience while creating meaningful value for both brands and consumers. Areas of Expertise • Apparel Product Development • Product Design & Innovation • Technical Design & Pattern Development • Functional & Performance Apparel • Materials Development & Textile Science • Product Testing & Performance Evaluation • Sustainable Product Development • Digital Product Development (CLO 3D, Gerber AccuMark, Adobe Creative Suite) • Digital Fabrication & Prototyping • Apparel Manufacturing & Production • Cross-Functional Product Development • Consumer-Centered Design

Available to hire

Great products are built where creativity, technical expertise, and consumer insight come together. Throughout my career, I’ve developed a unique perspective by working across apparel design, product development, manufacturing, retail, and textile research—allowing me to see the product lifecycle from concept to consumer.

I bring experience translating ideas into thoughtfully designed, technically sound products through material selection, pattern development, prototyping, fit evaluation, technical problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration. Whether improving product performance, exploring innovative materials, or refining manufacturing processes, I’m driven by creating products that are functional, meaningful, and built to last.

My professional experience in apparel manufacturing and product development is complemented by my ongoing Ph.D. studies in Apparel, Merchandising, and Design, where I specialize in textile science, functional apparel, sustainable product innovation, and digital product development technologies. This combination enables me to bridge creative design with analytical thinking—using research, testing, and user insights to make informed product decisions while keeping the consumer at the center of the process.

I enjoy working with designers, developers, sourcing teams, engineers, and manufacturing partners to solve complex challenges and bring innovative products to market. From apparel and soft goods to material innovation and digital fabrication, I thrive in collaborative environments where curiosity, continuous learning, and thoughtful design drive exceptional products.

As the apparel industry continues to evolve, I’m excited by opportunities to develop products that push the boundaries of performance, sustainability, and user experience while creating meaningful value for both brands and consumers.

Areas of Expertise
• Apparel Product Development
• Product Design & Innovation
• Technical Design & Pattern Development
• Functional & Performance Apparel
• Materials Development & Textile Science
• Product Testing & Performance Evaluation
• Sustainable Product Development
• Digital Product Development (CLO 3D, Gerber AccuMark, Adobe Creative Suite)
• Digital Fabrication & Prototyping
• Apparel Manufacturing & Production
• Cross-Functional Product Development
• Consumer-Centered Design

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Work Experience

Shop Supervisor at Iowa State University
May 1, 2025 - Present
Coordinates and supervises physical operations, resources, and equipment in the Electronics, Textiles, & 3D Printing Makerspace. Operates, trains, and maintains makerspace equipment including industrial sewing machines (Juki), knitting machines (STOLL), digital loom, Melco embroidery machines, universal laser cutters, and Ultimaker/Bambu 3D printers. Assists with student worker supervision and scheduling.
Academic Advisor at Iowa State University
January 20, 2024 - May 1, 2025
Advises students on degree planning, academic support services, academic policy issues, graduation requirements, degree certification, and personal education decisions.
Graduate Assistant at Iowa State University
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2024
Served as a Research & Teaching Assistant (2019–2023). Taught undergraduate apparel design-related skills including fashion illustration, flat patternmaking, computer integrated studio art, and collection creation. Sourced scholarly literature and concurrent market research to support new research and applications. Developed new teaching practicum to improve industry-relevant student skills. Also served as Digital Apparel & Textile Studio Lab Assistant (2019–2021), supervising and assisting with production, maintenance, and training for textile machinery and supporting ordering and maintenance of inventory.
Design & Production Manager at Dornink
June 1, 2016 - June 1, 2018
Managed production schedules to meet client and delivery deadlines. Supported custom apparel design, development, and production including client fittings, alterations, and fit adjustments. Collaborated on show choir apparel design and material sourcing; assisted with patternmaking, cutting, and construction. Managed client communications, appointments, quotes, and order updates; generated estimates, invoices, and purchase orders using POS software. Sourced fabrics, findings, and merchandise; tracked orders, followed up with vendors, processed returns, and managed shipping/receiving and annual stock audits. Maintained visual merchandising and promotional displays, supervised sales floor operations, and trained/onboarded sales associates and interns. Assisted customers with sales, styling, and product recommendations, and supported marketing through events, bridal shows, and client outreach. Managed Facebook, Instagram, and website content.

Education

PhD in Apparel Merchandising & Design at Iowa State University
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2027
M.S. in Apparel Merchandising & Design at Iowa State University
January 1, 2018 - May 1, 2020
B.S. in Apparel Merchandising & Design at Iowa State University
January 1, 2012 - May 1, 2016

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Education, Retail, Manufacturing