Nicole Jacquard: Fulbright Scholar Award

Nicole Jacquard (MFA 1994), currently an Associate Professor and Area Head of Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design in the School of Art + Design at Indiana University, has received a Fulbright Scholar Award to enable her to research at University of Dundee, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design in Scotland.

As a participant, Nicole Jacquard has been selected from a strong applicant pool to conduct research into creating art that utilizes digital interactivity. While at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, Nicole will be researching historical Scottish Annular, Penannular and Pseudo-Penannular Brooches. She is interested in the visual clues that are forever captured in these intimate pieces of adornment. Her goal is to translate and abstract these historical forms into contemporary works by employing various rapid prototyping methods, as well as adding interactivity and Augmenting Reality in order to provide a possible narrative about the pieces to the viewing audience. 

Commenting on receiving the Award, Nicole Jacquard said: ​“Upon learning I received the award I was thrilled to have the opportunity to research unique cultural Scottish artifacts, work with local museums and community fabrication labs, as well as the researchers at the University of Dundee. In a world that is rapidly changing, retaining and understanding the importance of cultural heritages is at a critical stage. As a Fulbright scholar, I will be diving into creating new work that will be the first of its kind, blending augmented digital interactivity with objects in order to tell stories. I hope this work will enable me to continue to develop new ways to create dialogs between the artist and viewers – ultimately providing new approaches in which people can connect and experience historical and contemporary art around the world.”

Penny Egan CBE, Executive Director, US-UK Fulbright Commission said: ​“The impact of the Fulbright program can change the world. Our Fulbrighters will return to the US having been exposed to different cultures, value systems and schools of thought. They will have the capacity to be more empathetic global citizens and be better prepared for collaboration across borders, between the US and the UK, and beyond.”

Amy Moore, Director of the Fulbright Awards Programme, added: ​“No greater example of the continued importance of international education can be found than in the determination and drive of our 2017 – 18 grantees. These students, academics and professionals have identified the relevance of intercultural cooperation to their careers. As Fulbright alumni and future leaders, they will be able to foster personal and professional connections between nations.” 

The Fulbright Commission provides the only bi-lateral, transatlantic scholarship program, offering Awards for study or research in any field, at any accredited US or UK university.

The Commission selects scholars through a rigorous application and interview process, looking for academic excellence alongside a focused application, a range of extracurricular and community activities, demonstrated ambassadorial skills, a desire to further the Fulbright program and a plan to give back to the USA upon returning. 

Typical grants include a maintenance allowance and/​or a contribution towards tuition fees. Fulbright scholars receive administrative support and a cultural education program including: visa processing, a comprehensive UK orientation, cultural enrichment opportunities in the UK, and access to a global alumni network.

Nicole is currently an Associate Professor and Area Head at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, and from 2015 – 17 she was the President of the Society of North American Goldsmiths. Nicole received an MFA from the University of Michigan, and a second MFA while on a Fulbright Scholarship to Australia at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University (RMIT) in Melbourne. In 2004 Nicole returned to RMIT and completed her Ph.D. in Fine Arts; The Role of Computer-Aided Design Within a Contemporary Studio Practice.