About
JD Whitman is a professional artist, educator, and ocean advocate specializing in science communication efforts for the plastic pollution crisis. Rooted in policy-driven marine science and ocean conservation, her research practice aims to creatively illuminate anthropogenic threats to the ocean, potential solutions, and action steps for individuals and communities.
Collaborating with environmental industry specialists and cultural and creative practitioners worldwide, she develops and implements community-specific SciArt experiences to test new methods for translating complex scientific research to target audiences through nature-based experiential learning and immersive visual storytelling. These experiences work to bring the ocean to viewers, develop awareness for vulnerable communities disproportionately affected by climate change, empower or provide agency to youth leaders, help establish circular community networks fostering sustainable eco-action, and spark positive conversations surrounding environmental concerns and solutions.
For over a decade, JD’s work has addressed rising levels of negative ecological emotions (eco-anxiety), declining marine biodiversity, marine ecotoxicology, and the mounting environmental and public health risks, all associated with microplastics and nanoplastics. JD is a PhD researcher at the University of Galway and Burren College of Art. She is also an Artist/External Expert for the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission where she collaborates with the JRC SciArt Project (SciArt: Science Art Society - European Union). Her ongoing research explores ways transdisciplinary research and socially engaged practice can disseminate research on plastic particulates to channel eco-anxiety into informed eco-action.
JD received an MFA in Photography, an MFA in Sculpture, and an MA in Studio Arts from the University of Iowa (2019), and a BA from the University of Chicago with honors (2013).
CONTACT
Email: jaydeewhitman@gmail.com
Instagram: @jdwhitman
CV
EDUCATION
2022-Present
PhD in Studio Art, University of Galway / Burren College of Art, Co. Clare/ Co. Galway, Ireland
2019
MFA in Photography, Secondary Emphasis: Intermedia, University of Iowa
MFA in Sculpture with Honors, Secondary Emphasis: Photography, University of Iowa
2017
MA in Studio Arts, Primary Emphasis: Sculpture, Secondary Emphasis: Photography, University of Iowa
2014
Post-Baccalaureate in Fine Art, University of Galway/Burren College of Art, Co. Clare/ Co. Galway, Ireland
2013
BA with General Honors, Visual Arts with Honors, University of Chicago
2008
Rhode Island School of Design, Pre-College Semester Program in Studio Art, Providence, RI
2007
University of Oxford, Pre-College Semester Program in Art History and Theater, Oxford, England
2005
University Marine Biological Station Millport,John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, Marine Biology, Great Cumbrae, Scotland
Professional, Teaching, and Related Experience
2023 - Present
Advisory Board Member, Cuttyhunk Climate Action Network
2023
Guest Lecturer in Dr. Eileen Hutton’s Art & Ecology Undergraduate Course, Burren College of Art, Co. Clare, Ireland
Workshop Leader (co-host), Bio-based Materials Art Workshop, Burren in Bloom 2023, BurrenBeo, Burren College of Art, Co. Clare, Ireland
Artist in Residence, NaturArchy Residency, European Commission / JRC SciArt Project, Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy
Guest Lecturer in Dr. Eileen Hutton’s Theory of Art & Ecology Undergraduate Courses, Burren College of Art, Co. Clare, Ireland
2022 - Present
Artist/ External Expert, Resonances IV, JRC SciArt Project, European Commission - Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy
2021-Present
Graduate College External Advisory Board member, University of Iowa
Partner, University of Chicago Jeff Metcalf Internship Program, University of Chicago
Partner, University of Chicago Odyssey & Empower Summer Match Program, University of Chicago
2021
Silbersalz Institute - AI Media Lab Collaborator, Silbersalz International Science & Media Festival, Halle, Germany
Artistic Collaborator, Ocean ARTic Project - Climate Change In The Arctic, People Ocean Planet, Scotland
2020-2023
Director, Global Youth Mentor Program, PLASTIC TIDES
2020
Digital Illustrator and Animator, CoderHeroes
2019-2020
Graphic Illustrator and Designer, Forgotten Skincare, LLC
2018-2019
Mentor, UChicago WAA/GWAA Mentorship Program, University of Chicago
2017-2019
Photographer and Graduate Student Researcher, National Museum of Ireland – Natural History, Ireland
Research Assistant, Blaschka Dublin Project, University College Dublin, Ireland
Guest Lecturer, Mentor and Artineer, NEXUS Program, College of Engineering, University of Iowa
Guest Lecturer, Tippie College of Business, University of Iowa
Pole Vault Coach, University of Iowa Track & Field Club, University of Iowa
2016-2019
Instructor of Record in the School of Art and Art History, Elements of Digital Photography (2018-2019), Sculpture 1(2017-2018), Elements of Sculpture (2016-2017), University of Iowa
Graduate Teaching Assistantship in the School of Art and Art History, University of Iowa
Graduate Research Assistantship in the Division of Performing Arts, University of Iowa
Visual Arts Research Assistant at ArtsShare in the Office of Outreach and Engagement, University of Iowa
2014-Present
Grant Writer & Research Analyst, The TRECS Institute, USA
2014-2015
Mentor, Academy Scholars Program, Germantown Academy, Fort Washington, PA
Graphic Designer, SPECTRUM Accountable Care
Web Design Consultant, Digital Editor, and Underwater Photographer, Underwater World
Assistant Scuba Diving Instructor, Underwater World, Temple University
Assistant Pole Vault Coach, Germantown Academy, Fort Washington, PA
2013-2015
Assistant Soccer Coach, Ballyvaughan Soccer Club, Co. Clare, Ireland
2012-2013
Research and Graphic Design Volunteer, Sea Save Foundation
Art Therapy Volunteer, Magee Rehabilitation Center, Philadelphia, PA
2009
Artist Assistant, Steve Tobin Sculpture Studios, Quakertown, PA
2002-Present
NAUI Advanced Scuba Rescue Diver (2011), PADI Advanced Open Water Diver (2007), NAUI Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx) Diver (2006); NAUI Scuba Diver (2002).
ACADEMIC honors, awards, and residencies
2024
An Táin Arts Centre Creative Residency, Dundalk, Ireland
2023
NaturArchy Residency, European Commission / JRC SciArt Project, Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy
An Táin Arts Centre Creative Residency Panel, Dundalk, Ireland
2022-Present
Michael Greene Merit Scholarship (Recipient for PhD), Burren College of Art
2022
Selected SciArt Expert, Resonances IV Summer School, European Commission - Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy
2020
Lucca Biennale, Semi-Finalist Indoor 2020, Lucca, Italy
Lucca Biennale, Semi-Finalist Outdoor 2020, Lucca, Italy
2019
Alumni Residency Award, Burren College of Art
2018
GRADIMPACT Graduate Student Researcher, Council of Graduate Schools
Fulbright Nomination, School of Art and Art History, University of Iowa
Outstanding Student Achievement In Contemporary Sculpture Award, Honorable Mention, International Sculpture Center
Eve Drewelowe Scholarship for International Research, School of Art and Art History, University of Iowa
International Writing Program’s 50th Anniversary - Emerging Artist Selectee, Drewelowe Family Nominee, School of Art and Art History, University of Iowa
2017
Graduate College Research Fellowship, Graduate College, University of Iowa
Travel Grant for International Research, School of Art and Art History, University of Iowa
Museum of American Glass Photography Residency, Weston, WV
2016
Stanley Graduate Award for International Research, International Programs, University of Iowa
2015-2016
Iowa Arts Fellowship, School of Art and Art History, University of Iowa
2013-2014
Michael Greene Merit Scholarship, Burren College of Art
2012
Copán Ruinas Maya Research Residency, Hacienda San Lucas and Copán, Honduras
F. Champion Ward Summer International Travel Grant, The College, University of Chicago
CCIA Apprenticeship Program, Jeff Metcalf Internship Program, Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, University of Chicago
Editor. Volume I: Practice & Theory Magazine, University of Chicago
2011
UChicago Arts Summer Grant, Arts Council, University of Chicago
BCA Artist Residency, Burren College of Art
SportsDiver Publishing Internship Finalist, Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society (OW-USS)
2010-2013
Art Editor, Sliced Bread Magazine, University of Chicago
2010
BCA Artist Residency, Burren College of Art
2009
Purchase Prize Award, Germantown Academy,Fort Washington, PA
Professional SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
2024
Presenter. “ Preserving Ireland’s Blaschka Glass Models - A digital method for facilitating ecological awareness, action, and innovation”. TULCA Assembly. The Salvage Agency - TULCA Festival of the Arts. Galway, Ireland.
Presenter/Panelist. PhD Research Symposium. Burren College of Art.
2023
Panelist. Germantown Academy Alumni Artists Exhibition Panel. Germantown Academy, Fort Washington, PA. Virtual.
Guest Lecturer (co-speaker), Critical Ecology of Fanore Beach, Plastic Pollution, and Coastwatch’s All Ireland Survey, Art & Ecology Course, Burren College of Art, Co. Clare, Ireland
Panelist. Lo, Ryan, “Episode 28: Youth verses Plastic Pollution - A Panel Interview”, A Change Is A Chance, June 4th, 2023, https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-28-youth-versus-plastic-pollution-a-panel/id1490303764?i=1000615647329.
Artist/External Expert Presenter, Plastic Magnitudes, Presentation of Residency in collaboration with in collaboration with Marisa Sarria Pereira De Passos, Jessica Ponti, Andrea Valsesia, and Dora Mehn, NaturArchy Residency 2023, European Commission / JRC SciArt Project, Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy.
Presenter / Workshop Leader, Implementing AR in Installation Art to Improve Environmental Education and Action, University of Chicago’s Augmented Reality Workshop, Careers in Computer Science Program, Chicago, IL, USA. Virtual.
Guest Lecturer (co-speaker), Critical Ecology: eco critical themes intersecting with human issues, Theory of Art & Ecology Course, Burren College of Art, Co. Clare, Ireland
2022
SciArt Expert, Plasticity Project, Resonances IV Summer School, European Commission - Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy
Visiting Climate Artist, Art for Climate Action, Brooklyn Prospect Charter School, Brooklyn, NY, USA. Virtual.
2021
Visiting Artist Lecture, Endangered Marine Invertebrates Preserved in Glass: A look at digitizing Ireland’s Blaschka collections for research, science communication, and marine conservation engagement, School of Art and Art History, University of Iowa, Iowa, USA.
Presenter, Experience Energy, SILBERSALZ Science & Media Conference: The Art of Science Communication, Halle, Germany.
Artist, AI Media Lab Presentations, Matchmaking Workshop for AI and Computer Scientists and Artists, Silbersalz Institute – AI Media Lab.
Artist, Climate Change In The Arctic, Collaborative Workshop for Artists and Marine Climate Scientists, Ocean ARTic Project, People Ocean Planet.
Presenter and Panelist, Using Tech to Build A Better World. Webinar. CODEPALOOZA - Code For Good Summit. Code Your Dreams.
Presenter and Panelist, University of Chicago’s Code in the Community. Webinar. Department of Computer Science, University of Chicago.
2020
Presenter and Panelist, Leadership Conclave - Merging Art, Science, and Technology to Drive Climate Action. Webinar. Sustainable Earth Summit: Bringing Change Makers Together. Svadhyaya Youth Organization.
Guest Speaker, Art at the Edge of the Landfill. School of Art and Art History. University of Iowa.
2019
Presenter and Panelist, Wednesday Session Series - Alumni Residency Award Forum, Burren College of Art
Presenter and Panelist, Art, Tech, and the Environment, Lichthaus Halle, SILBERSALZ Science & Media Festival, Halle (Salle), Germany
Artist, Exhibition Tour - PLASTICITY: Our Changing Oceans, Professor Dr. Antje Boetius, How is ocean pollution affecting the sensitive marine ecosystems and the creatures that live there?, Lichthaus Gallery, SILBERSALZ Science & Media Festival, Halle (Salle), Germany
2018
Presenter and Panelist, Creativity For a Lifetime: Art and Aging, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Iowa
Visiting Artist, Buena Vista University
Visiting Artist, Confronting Ecophobia, Pacific North West College of Art - Global Ecologies Summer School, Burren College of Art
Presenter, Earth Week at Weber Elementary, Iowa City, IA
Workshop Leader and Visiting Artist, South Central Conference Art Day, Ottumwa, IA
Presenter and Workshop Leader, PLASTICITY: Our Changing Oceans, RecycleMania Family Event, Office of Engagement and Outreach, School of Art and Art History, University of Iowa
Presenter and Workshop Leader, PLASTICITY: Our Changing Oceans, Twain Elementary School, Office of Engagement and Outreach, School of Art and Art History, University of Iowa
Presenter and Workshop Leader, PLASTICITY: Our Changing Oceans, Williamsburg Extended Learning Program, Office of Engagement and Outreach, School of Art and Art History, University of Iowa
Presenter and Panelist, NEXUS Program: Intuitive Thinking, Seamans Center, College of Engineering, University of Iowa
2017
Presenter and Panelist, NEXUS Program: Polymaths, Tippie College of Business, University of Iowa
Presenter and Organizer, Shadow Coral Reef, STEAM Fest, Terry Trueblood Recreational Center, Iowa City, IA
2016
Presenter, Stanley Graduate Award Collected Research, International Programs, School of Art and Art History, Center for the Book, University of Iowa
Presenter and Panelist, International Program’s Fulbright & International Research Symposium, University of Iowa
Panelist, Art Alive, Germantown Academy, Fort Washington, PA
2015
Visiting Artist and Presenter, Alumni Career Progression in the Arts, Germantown Academy, Fort Washington, PA
EXHIBITIONS
*Denotes Solo Exhibit
2024
Towards New Worlds, JRC SciArt Project’s NaturArchy Group Exhibition, European Commission’s Joint Research Center, Location TBD.
PhD Research Exhibition, Burren College of Art, Co. Clare, Ireland
2023
Alumni Artists Exhibition, Arts Center Gallery, Germantown Academy, Philadelphia, PA
All-Degree Interim Show, Burren College of Art, Co. Clare, Ireland
2022
All-Degree Interim Show, Burren College of Art, Co. Clare, Ireland
SAAH Sculpture & Intermedia Open House, School of Art and Art History, University of Iowa (Virtual)
The Planet Recovery Project, Labyrinth Gallery (Interactive Virtual Art Gallery)
2020
Source: No Space, Designer, Drewelowe Gallery, School of Art and Art History, University of Iowa
2019
Alumni Residency Award Group Show, Newtown Castle, Burren College of Art
PLASTICITY: Our Changing Oceans, Lichthaus Gallery, SILBERSALZ Science & Media Festival, Halle (Salle), Germany*
MA/MFA Thesis Gallery Exhibition, Levitt Gallery, School of Art and Art History, University of Iowa
Is Dead, Long Live, Intermedia Open House, Visual Arts Building, University of Iowa
Cmd+Fn, Media Design Consultant, University of Iowa Department of Dance, University of Iowa
PLASTICITY: Microplastics & Mutations, MFA Thesis Exhibition in Photography, Drewelowe Gallery, School of Art and Art History, University of Iowa*
2018
Lucid Macrocosm, BVU Art Gallery, Buena Vista University
MA/MFA Thesis Gallery Exhibition, Drewelowe Gallery, School of Art and Art History, University of Iowa
Palpable Plasticity, Earth Week Fun Night, Weber Elementary School, Iowa City, IA
PLASTICITY: Our Changing Oceans, MFA Thesis Exhibition in Sculpture, Drewelowe Gallery, School of Art and Art History, University of Iowa*
CollectiveEnergies, Scene Design Consultant, University of Iowa Department of Dance, Dancers in Company 2018, Space Place Theater, University of Iowa
2017
Kansas No More, Digital Media Design Consultant, University of Iowa Department of Dance, DANCE GALA 2017, Hancher Auditorium, University of Iowa
I3, Interactive Installation & Performance Group Show, Art Building West, University of Iowa
MA/MFA Thesis Gallery Exhibition, Visual Arts Building, University of Iowa
2016-2017
16x16x16 Traveling Exhibition: Montana State University; University of Kansas; University of Iowa; Metropolitan Community College.
2015-2016
Art Alive, Germantown Academy, Fort Washington, PA
Germantown Academy Visual Arts Alumni Show, Germantown Academy, Fort Washington, PA
2014
STOCK: Post Baccalaureate Degree Show, Burren College of Art
2013
Hi-Vis, All-Degree Interim Show, Burren College of Art
MAY.BE LAT.ER, DOVA Senior Thesis Show, Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, University of Chicago
Office of College Admissions Spring Exhibition, Rosenwald Hall, University of Chicago
2012
MODA Spring Fashion Show, Union Station, Chicago, IL
2010-2012
Festival of the Arts, Harper Library, University of Chicago
Winter Festival of the Arts, Harper Library, University of Chicago
MaxArts (Winter), Max Palevsky Commons, University of Chicago
MaxArts (Spring), Max Palevsky Commons, University of Chicago
2009
Germantown Academy’s Senior Honors Art Gallery, Ft. Washington, PA
2008
Rhode Island School of Art & Design Summer Studies Exhibition, Providence, RI
Germantown Academy’s Junior Honors Art Gallery, Ft. Washington, PA
press / PUBLICATIONs
2022
“JD Whitman Spreads Ecological Awareness of Our Oceans Through Art”, The Patriot Magazine, Germantown Academy, Fall 2022
Rojas, Adrian Villar. Adrian Villar Rojas: The End of Imagination. Art Gallery of New South Wales. Sydney. Limited-edition artist book. September, 2022.
USMARADIO. “NaturArchy: Towards A Natural Contract.” Spreaker From iHeart, 29 June 2022, https://www.spreaker.com/show/naturarchy-towards-a-natural-contract
Whitman, J. D., Viscardi, P., and Reynaud, E. G. 2022. Recording of Blaschka glass invertebrate models: A method and workflow for imaging using standardized methods. Journal of Natural Science Collections. 10. pp. 115-145.
2020
University of Iowa Office of Strategic Communication. Schoon, Tim; Torner, Justin; Murray Kirk; Snee, Tom. “A snapshot of Iowa in 2019”. January, 2020. Web.
2019
Iowa Research Online. Whitman, Jacquelyn Dale (JD). "Confronting ecophobia: increasing ecoliteracy through art and marine science." MFA (Master of Fine Arts) thesis, University of Iowa, 2019. Web.
2018
Sculpture.Vol. 37 No. 8. “2018 International Sculpture Center Outstanding Student Achievement In Contemporary Sculpture Awards”. October, 2018. Web & Print.
Live Design. Lampert-Greaux, Ellen, “What’s Trending in Education: Academia And Digital Media Design, Part One”. August, 2018, Web.
University of Iowa Office of Strategic Communication. Nelson, Emily. “UI Art Students Travel World in Pursuit of Discovery”. July, 2018. Web.
University of Iowa Office of Strategic Communication. Nelson, Emily, “The Blaschkas’ Glass Menagerie”. July, 2018. Web.
The Gazette. Gowans, Alison, “Animated Oceans: Exhibit Mixes Art, Science to Raise Awareness”. March, 2018. Web & Print.
The Daily Iowan. Prochnow, Jordan, “Interactive Exhibit Informs Iowa City Community on the Dangers of Marine Pollution”. March, 2018. Web & Print.
Council of Graduate Schools. “GradImpact: Educating the Public on a Decline in Marine Life through Art Installations”. 2018. Web.
University of Iowa Graduate College. Riehl, John, “UI Artist Educates About the Wonder of our Oceans”. February, 2018. Web.
2017
Iowa Now. Peters, Chris, “New UI class challenges students to meld technology, performance” October, 2017. Web.
2016
University of Iowa International Programs. Bartlett, Amanda, “Finding the Beauty in Nature”. December, 2017. Web.
2013
Sliced Bread Magazine. Issue 7. Spring Edition. 2013. Print.
2012
Jake Jennings: Lacrosse Goalie. Butler, Lisa. Illustrator. October, 2012. Print.
Sliced Bread Magazine. Issue 6. Fall Edition. 2012. Print.
VOLUME. Vol I. May, 2012. Print.
2011
Sliced Bread Magazine. Issue 5. Spring Edition. 2011. Print.
2010
Sliced Bread Magazine. Issue 4. Fall Edition. 2011. Print.
2009
Academy Monthly Magazine. Cover Art. Spring Edition. 2009. Print.
Academy Monthly Magazine. Winter Edition. 2009. Print.
CURATORial projects
2019
16x16x16 Traveling Exhibition: Montana State University; University of Kansas; University of Iowa; Metropolitan Community College.
2017-2018
UI REACH Ceramic Workshop Series, Visual Arts Building, University of Iowa
Collections
Michael Greene Memorial Collection,Burren College of Art, Ballyvaughan, Ireland
College Admissions Office Collection, University of Chicago, Hyde Park, IL
Purchase Prize Collection, Germantown Academy, Fort Washington, PA
