Born in the Northern Neck of Virginia, Sophia grew up across the Commonwealth, living in Northern Virginia, Southwest Virginia, and Hampton Roads. During her early adolescence in Christiansburg, Virginia, she began private study with a local artist who introduced her to design principles as well as the cultural and historical foundations of major art movements. These lessons shaped Sophia’s future course of study—not only by developing her practical skills, but by expanding her awareness of context, craftsmanship, and rich material histories.
Sophia attended Ohio Wesleyan University, earning her BFA with concentrations in Ceramics, Drawing, Metals, and Printmaking. While at Ohio Wesleyan, she served as the Student Chair of the Visual Arts Department and as the Student Delegate for the Ross Art Museum Board, gaining valuable curatorial training and gallery management experience. After completing her BFA, Sophia taught Jewelry and Metalsmithing outside of Augusta, Maine.
Sophia earned her MFA from the University of Kentucky School of Art and Visual Studies, where she also taught as an Instructor of Record. While developing her thesis exhibition, her practice was notably influenced by Jonathan Chapman’s principles of “Emotionally Durable Design.” Sophia went on to teach Drawing, Figure Drawing, and Design at Mississippi State University, Tarleton State University, and Skidmore College. Throughout her academic career, she developed curricula aimed at preparing students for the rapidly evolving design field while emphasizing historical context.
Sophia is an active visual artist, exhibiting her work and participating in artist residencies both nationally and internationally. She joined the JSEA team in May 2025 and is eager to continue learning and applying her knowledge of visual art and design.