EDUCATION
2024
2020
2018
MFA (pending) Studio Art
University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ
BFA Studio Art, summa cum laude
University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ
Associate of Arts, Highest Honors
Pima Community College | Tucson, AZ
RESEARCH + TEACHING EXPERIENCE
2022
Graduate Student Research for Music & Creative Aging Story Lab
University of Arizona School of Music| Tucson, AZ
Studio Assistant for Honors Special Topics in Fine Arts Course
University of Arizona W.A. Franke Honors College | Tucson, AZ
Graduate Preceptor for Introduction to Modern Design History Course
University of Arizona School of Art | Tucson, AZ
Teaching Artist for Spring Session
MOCA Young Fauves Youth Program | Tucson, AZ
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2022–
2021–2022
2018–2020
Digital Content Graduate Assistant
University of Arizona Thrive Center | Tucson, AZ
Associate Designer
BRINK | Tucson, AZ
Graphic Designer
University of Arizona Athletics | Tucson, AZ
HONORS + AWARDS
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
Outstanding Graduate Student Employee
University of Arizona SSRI | Tucson, AZ
Helen Gross Recipient | $1,000
University of Arizona School of Art | Tucson, AZ
Medici Scholar Recipient | $1,000
University of Arizona College of Fine Arts | Tucson, AZ
1st Place, Communication & Expression
University of Arizona GPSC | Tucson, AZ
Bio5 Innovator, Community, Culture, & Society
University of Arizona BIO5 Institute | Tucson, AZ
Sandy Truett Memorial Scholarship
University of Arizona School of Art | Tucson, AZ
Higher Education Partners Scholarship | $1880
University of Arizona School of Art | Tucson, AZ
Penland School of Craft | Bakersville, NC
Anne Moreton Memorial Scholarship | $1255.58
University of Arizona School of Art | Tucson, AZ
Graduate College Fellowship | $2000
University of Arizona School of Art | Tucson, AZ
Graduate Access Fellowship | $8000
University of Arizona School of Art | Tucson, AZ
Graduate Tuition Scholarship | $7938
University of Arizona School of Art | Tucson, AZ
College of Fine Arts Outstanding Senior
The University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ
School of Art Outstanding Senior
The University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ
Highest Academic Distinction
The University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ
Dean’s List with Distinction
The University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2023
2022
2020–2021
2020
2019
Shaping Conduits | Interdisciplinary Critique | Palo Verde Gallery
University of Arizona School of Art | Tucson, AZ
Donors and Scholars Exhibition | Lionel Rombach Gallery
University of Arizona School of Art | Tucson, AZ
FASO | Interdisciplinary Critique | Palo Verde Gallery
University of Arizona School of Art | Tucson, AZ
Picturing 2020 | Online Exhibition | Permanent Collection
University of Arizona Museum of Art | Tucson, AZ
BFA Capstone Show | Online Exhibition
University of Arizona School of Art | Tucson, AZ
27th International Poster Biennale | Krakowskie Przedmieście 5
Warsaw Academy of Fine Arts | Warsaw, Poland
Handmade with Keyboards and Hammers | Steinfeld Warehouse
University of Arizona School of Art | Tucson, AZ
LECTURES, PRESENTATIONS, + WORKSHOPS
2023
2022
2020
Design, Letterpress Printing, and Memory | April 8
AIGA Arizona | ASU Polytechnic Campus | Mesa, AZ
First Generation Flash Session | February 14
Student Success Conference | University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ
IDA Portfolio Review Workshop | February 2
University of Arizona School of Art | Tucson, AZ
Outstanding Senior Address Graduation Convocation | December 17
University of Arizona College of Fine Arts | Tucson, AZ
PUBLICATIONS + PRESS
2023
2021
2020
"Student Highlights." University of Arizona School of Art. 2023.
"School Highlights: New Student Welcome." University of Arizona School of Art. March 2023.
"Design, Letterpress Printing, & Memory." University of Arizona School of Art. March 2023.
“Standout Students.” State of the Arts. Arizona Arts. October 2021: p. 5.
"Fall Convocation Outstanding Seniors." University of Arizona College of Fine Arts Graduation. December 2020.
Snyder, Charlie . “Deborah Ruiz: Ultimate Adapter.” University of Arizona College of Fine Arts. December 20, 2020.
"Find Your Community at the School of Art." Arizona Arts. October 2, 2020.
PUBLICATIONS: DESIGN + LAYOUT
2023
2022
2021
You Are Here: The Journal of Creative Geography. Volume 24 | Design
University of Arizona School of Geography, Development, & Environment
You Are Here: The Journal of Creative Geography. Volume 23 | Design
University of Arizona School of Geography, Development, & Environment
You Are Here: The Journal of Creative Geography. Volume 22 | Design
University of Arizona School of Geography, Development, & Environment
VOLUNTEER, OUTREACH, + SERVICE
2023
2022–
2021–
2021
2020
Illustration, Design, & Animation Graduate Council Representative
University of Arizona School of Art | Tucson, AZ
Riso Club Treasurer
University of Arizona School of Art | Tucson, AZ
Sienna Collective Member
University of Arizona School of Art | Tucson, AZ
D5 Youth Art Contest Judge
Pima County District 5 - Office of Supervisor Adelita S. Grijalva | Tucson, AZ
Peer Reviewer
You Are Here: The Journal of Creative Geography | Tucson, AZ
Early-Stage Social Engagement Leader
Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest Chapter | Tucson, AZ
School of Art IDA Ambassador
University of Arizona School of Art | Tucson, AZ
COVID-19 State Vaccination Site Registration Assistant
University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ
School of Art Advising Ambassador
University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ
CERTIFICATIONS + TRAINING
2020
Professional Development | Adobe Education Summit
Social and Behavioral Research Investigator | CITI Program
Social and Behavioral Clinical Research | CITI Program
Responsible Conduct Research | CITI Program
Conflict of Interest Required Disclosure Training | University of Arizona
Creative Aging Professional Development Training | West Valley Arts Council
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Adobe Education Exchange
Arizona Athletics Wildcat Club | Tucson, AZ
Creative Mornings | Tucson, AZ
American Institute of Graphic Art (AIGA) | Arizona