BFA Spotlight: Zachary Chapman

Zachary Chapman graduates UTA with a BFA degree in December 2025. His studies in photography and museum studies have already opened doors into the professional field – since the summer, Zach has been working as a Texas Nature Trader Attendant at the Fort Worth Zoo. We spoke with him about his academic journey, and the path that shaped his passion for conservation.

Zach, how did you decide to enroll at UTA?
Applying to the University of Texas at Arlington was an easy decision. I had heard several success stories from students in the photography and cinema production programs, and a number of my friends from Tarrant County College were also applying here. I wanted to stay close to family, and UTA’s campus – with its green spaces, lively atmosphere, and beautiful buildings – felt like the right place. Location is everything when you are starting somewhere new.

 

You’re majoring in photography. What breakthroughs have you had as an artist studying here?
My photography has always been on wildlife and nature. But taking Professor Bryan Florentine’s Advanced Photography course opened my eyes to built environment. Challenging myself with this subject helped me understand the plight of nature in a new way through my own lens. It pushed me deeper into conservation-focused conversations while still allowing me to pursue my core interests. I became involved with volunteer groups and later took an internship studying bird migrations. I connected this research to broader museum studies topics and presented it during 2024 Art History Student Union Spring Symposium at UTA, which focused on environmental conditions in art history. The projects across all my courses helped strengthen my macrophotography skills and shaped my personal practice.

 

 

What were the highlights of completing the Museum Studies minor?
At first I wasn’t sure what to expect from museum studies – but I found my community quickly. My classmates and I bonded over everything from nerd topics such as Star Trek and pop-culture to deep dives into how museums function. It showed me that you can build a career while still having fun. I remember exploring the internship opportunity at River Legacy Nature Center in Arlington. I already volunteered there often, and when our Intro to Museum Studies class visited the site, I had to keep quiet because their show “Here Be Dragons” was already something I had got to see. The program helped solidify my passion for museum work. I owe a lot to Professor Cheryl Mitchell, who has been more than just a professor – she has been a true mentor throughout my professional growth.

 

Tell us about your current role at the Fort Worth Zoo and the projects you are working on.
I began working as a Texas Nature Trader Attendant for the Fort Worth Zoo in July 2025. My background as a Texas Master Naturalist volunteering, my love for nature, and my combined experience in photography and museum studies all helped prepare me for this role. At the Zoo, I help children identify the treasures they’ve collected in nature and guide their curiosity through science tools, citizen-science principles, and museum-based observation methods. They earn points for their findings and can trade them for items in the training hub. I also assist visitors who come with nature questions or even photos they hope I can help identify. It feels like a perfect intersection of research, public engagement, and environmental education.

 

Your advice for students who want to stay true to their passion and turn it into a career:
Trust the process and never give up – you are here for a reason. Enjoy your time on campus, but do things in moderation and know your limits. Finding your footing can be hard; do not stress the beginning steps. Every creative journey has an “ugly” beginning phase; never sweat the freshmen stuff. Find what works for you and have fun being creative and never stop learning. Surround yourself with supportive friends, remain curious, keep learning. Grit and determination will take you further than you expect. Celebrate the small wins for they accumulate to big accolades and achievements. Keep your mind open to all possibilities. Use logic to understand every path and outcome. Use it to your advantage.