Illustrating Science with Julia Ditto
Alumna Julia Ditto, Marine and Environmental Science graduate of 2021, has built a career as a freelance science illustrator, turning her passion for art and the natural world into award-winning visual storytelling. Her path began in Alaska Pacific University’s Environmental Science program, where hands-on field experiences—from rafting the Yukon River to backpacking in the Brooks Range—helped shape both her scientific understanding and her artistic voice.
Originally drawn to geology and outdoor fieldwork, Julia discovered her talent for visual communication while sketching during APU’s Expedition Alaska course and later working alongside Professor Roman Dial on research expeditions. She originally was drawn to APU because of its glaciology program, which she says, “really stuck out to me, given my interest in mountaineering.” Encouraged by mentors to explore science illustration as a career path, she developed a senior project portfolio that launched her into graduate study in natural science illustration in Monterey Bay, California.
Since then, Julia has worked with outlets such as Scientific American, NOAA, and Nature, and continues to collaborate with APU’s FAST Lab. Her artwork has also been featured in the Anchorage People Mover Art Initiative, reaching audiences across the city through 680 different bus signs.
Reflecting on her journey, Julia credits APU’s experiential learning environment and supportive faculty for helping her realize that career paths don’t have to be linear—and that creativity and science can go hand in hand. Today, she continues to work as a freelance illustrator at the intersection of research and art, with a focus on sharing Alaska’s landscapes and ecology through her work.
Julia shares, “I wish I had known I could step out of the box more. It’s a hard thing to learn and perhaps a harder thing to teach. APU is the perfect place to do that because the community is there to support your passion project.”
How can you connect with Julia? Julia’s work can be found on her website at juliaditto.com Follow along on Instagram @julia_ditto_illustration as well.
