Experience
Jess Burbridge Ceramics
March 2020 - Current
After stepping away from my field work in Africa to become a mother to two beautiful children, I returned to my love of ceramic art and sculpture in March 2020. I now work out of my home studio in Boca Raton, Florida to create porcelain and stoneware sculpture inspired by both fantasy and the natural world. I completed my first gallery show at the Hale Gallery in October 2023 and am currently working on a new collection of porcelain dragon busts in 2024.
Director of Marketing & Communications - Gorilla Doctors
October 2012 - 2018
Managed all Gorilla Doctors communications between the United States, Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Duties included: journalism, photography, videography, graphic and web design, facilitating and managing the logistics for visiting film crews and other journalists, managing the Gorilla Doctors website, producing multimedia content on medical interventions of wild gorillas, care of orphan gorillas and other issues pertaining to gorilla medical care, managing Gorilla Doctors social media sites, generating panel displays and printed promotional and educational material, writing press releases for international media coverage and coordinating with Field Communication Officers from partner NGO's for joint media initiatives. For more information about the Gorilla Doctors work, visit www.gorilladoctors.org
Field Communications Officer - The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International
August 2011 - August 2012
Managed communications from Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo to the Fossey Fund’s administrative headquarters in Atlanta, GA. Responsibilities included: journalism and photography for website, internal and external newsletters; Networking with international and national media, arranging interviews, assisting outside journalists and photographers in coordinating coverage of the Fossey Fund's programs; Accompanying international media staff into the field on assignment; Developing, writing and issuing press releases about the Fossey Fund's programs and issues of concern; Coordinating with Field Communication Officers from partner NGO's for joint media initiatives; Facilitating information sharing between the Africa programs and Atlanta headquarters; Assisting in researching and writing of briefing materials and public documents. For more information about the Fossey Fund, visit www.gorillafund.org.
Freelance Photographer - J Shouse Photojournalism
November 2007 - Present
Commercial photographer for various publications, advertising agencies and private clients. Going above and beyond for clients by providing graphic design work and art direction according to the particular client's needs. Exhibiting mastery in all stages of project from previsualization, to planning and execution of photoshoot, managing postproduction work and providing an outstanding finished product. Some clients include: Birmingham Magazine, CBS AdvertisingAgency, Dunlop Manufacturing, Instant Karma Entertainment, Marketry Inc., among others. For more information about J Shouse Photojournalism, visit www.jshousephotojournalism.com.
Uganda Expedition Photojournalist - The Great Primate Handshake
July - August 2009
Photojournalist on the Uganda Expedition along side a team of anthropologists, web designers, graphic designers and videographers. Accompanied primatologists as they researched and acquired information from the indigenous people regarding their daily life, opinions on environmental issues and wildlife conservation, provided a written account of research, completed and compiled photo-journals of each location. Worked with multiple Ape Sanctuaries and organizations (The Jane Goodall Institute, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust) to generate compelling digital media (print ads, websites) to aid their mission. www.primatehandshake.org
Adoption Counselor - SPCA of Wake County
October 2006 - October 2007
Worked with the SPCA Animal Behaviorist to educate the public about domesticated pets, proper veterinary care and training techniques. Worked with homeless animals to gain a better chance at adoption and strived to place each animal in the best home.
Summer Intern - CoyneBeahmShouse Advertising Agency
June - August 2006
Interned at a regional advertising agency writing copy and working in graphic design for various advertising campaigns and assisting art direction.
Education
Johns Hopkins University, Washington, DC
Masters of Arts in Communication
Corporate and Nonprofit Communications
August 2013 - May 2017
Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, GA
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography
September 2002 - May 2006
Completed extensive coursework in digital media and design (print, web and motion), photographic retouching, graphic design, web design, art history, alternative photographic processes, and specific studies in photographic history. Honed excellent time management skills and developed an ability to generate a strong body of work on a regular basis and defend that work in weekly critiques. Developed a personal vision in my work and created a goal of using photography as a tool for change for today's issues in society and beyond.
Study Abroad
Savannah College of Art and Design, Lacoste, France
Spring 2005
Lived in Lacoste, France during the Spring semester, studying French art history and culture, film and video, printmaking, photography as well as the French language. Participated in a regional exhibition along side fellow students and other French artists.
Other Specific Skills
Photography
Deep understanding of all photographic process, black and white, Color E6, RA4, Medium and Large Format, Alternative Photographic Processes (Cyanotype, Gum Bichromate, Platinum and Palladium), copy slides and commercial lighting techniques.
Digital Design Skills
Well versed in Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator, Go Live, In Design, Dreamweaver, After Effects, Image Print, Office and other software and digital design components including advanced digital imaging and retouching, archival inkjet printing and web design.
Foreign Language
Conversational proficiency in French.
REFERENCES
Dr. Kirsten Gilardi, Director
Gorilla Doctors
Kvgilardi@ucdavis.edu
(530) 752-4896
Erika Archibald, Ph.D., Director of Communications
The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International
Landline: (912) 232-6805Cell: (678)-612-9019
Tara Stoinski, Ph.D., Vice President, Chief Scientist, and McGrath Chair of Conservation and Science
The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International
tstoinski@zooatlanta.org
Veronica Vecellio, Gorilla Program Manager
The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International
Karisoke Research Center, Ruhengeri, Rwanda
Ve.vecellio@gmail.com