Meet the man who took his passion abroad, photographing on all 7 continents. An alumnus of UD (B.S., Entomology), Jon Cox discusses how photography became a large part of his life and how he, as a professor in the department of Art, shows students the world through a lens. He also discusses the study abroad trips he has led and his work to protect the rights of the indigenous tribes of Tanzanis with the Dorobo fund.
Listen to the interview
Jon Cox (09/27/12)
30:17
29.1 MB
About our guest
Jon Cox teaches documentary photography/video, digital media, and design for UD’s Art Department and is developing
a new interdisciplinary cross-college design practicum. He serves as chair of the Art Department’s public relations committee and mentors summer scholars and service-learning scholars. His courses engage students with real world problems by working with community partners both locally and abroad.
Cox has photographed on all seven continents and has directed twenty study abroad programs on six continents. His study abroad destinations include Antarctica, Tanzania, Vietnam, Australia, Tasmania and Patagonia. Cox is leading his first study abroad program to Cambodia in January 2013 where his students will create a book with Buddhist monks and interact with students at The Royal University of Phnom Penh.
Cox’s most recent photography work is a documentary book about the Hadza Hunter Gatherers of Tanzania. The goal of his collaborative project is to raise awareness about indigenous peoples’ land rights and reduce the negative stigma surrounding hunter-gatherers. The documentary book is being printed in English and Swahili and will be distributed worldwide. All proceeds of the book will go to the Dorobo Fund, a non-profit organization fighting for the rights of indigenous peoples of Tanzania.Cox’s work aims to bring about social change at the local and global level. He integrates his UD Bachelor of Science degree (Entomology) and design perspective through collaborative sustainable landscape plans for a variety of public spaces, including such venues as the world renowned Philadelphia Flower Show. His collaborative installations educate the public on incorporating sustainable practices that are aesthetically pleasing, thereby improving our environment and quality of life.
Learn more
- Jon Cox’s Web site. Cox is a faculty member in UD’s Art Department.
- The Dorobo Fund, helping indigenous and local communities in Tanzania develop a sustainable future.
- UD’s Institute for Global Studies, including information about all UD Study Abroad programs
- Blog from UD trip to Tanzania, January 2012
- Information about other study abroad programs Cox has led or will lead.
- 2013 UD Philadelphia Flower Show project
- Galleries of Cox’s students’ work
Photo credits: Daudi Peterson (top left); Jon Cox (lower right)