Joseph Trumpey

Joseph Trumpey is an Associate Professor at the University of Michigan, affiliated with the School of Art and Design and the Program in the Environment (PitE). He directs the Sustainable Living Experience and Michigan Science Art, a leading group of science illustrators. His work emphasizes biodiversity, ecological sustainability, and experiential education through field-sketching courses.

Trumpey’s research bridges art and science, with notable contributions to Grzimek’s Animal Life Encyclopedia. He teaches interdisciplinary courses combining art, environmental science, and fieldwork in locations like Yellowstone and Costa Rica, collaborating with schools via the EcoExplorers Program. His creative work addresses modern agriculture and biodiversity, exhibited nationally. He operates a small farm dedicated to preserving rare livestock genetics.

As a consultant, he has partnered with major institutions like the Smithsonian and zoos. His independent research includes fieldwork in Kenya. Though no specific awards are listed, his contributions to science illustration and environmental education are significant.

His advising focuses on fostering student engagement with natural environments through immersive field experiences. He collaborates across disciplines, linking art, ecology, and education to address sustainability challenges.