Andrea Polli

Photo: Professor of Art Studio | Mesa Del Sol Endowed Chair of Digital Media | Director, STEAM NM

Andrea Polli
Professor of Art Studio | Mesa Del Sol Endowed Chair of Digital Media | Director, STEAM NM

Andrea Polli is an artist and scholar working at the intersection of art, science, and technology. Her work explores how creative practice can respond to some of the most pressing issues of our time, including climate change, environmental data, and the role of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence in society.

At the University of New Mexico, Polli leads interdisciplinary projects that bring together scientists, artists, engineers, and community members to translate complex scientific information into experiences that engage the public. Her collaborations include work with atmospheric scientists to create immersive visualizations of climate data, as well as community-centered initiatives that connect environmental research with cultural resilience.

Polli is the Director of STEAM NM, an initiative that promotes the integration of science, technology, engineering, art, and math through education, public programming, and creative practice. She is also the Mesa Del Sol Endowed Chair of Digital Media in the College of Fine Arts, where she teaches courses on digital media, environmental art, and community engagement.

Her work has been recognized with numerous awards and fellowships, including support from the National Science Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and Fulbright. She has exhibited and presented her projects internationally, from climate-focused installations in museums to collaborative workshops in communities most impacted by environmental change.

Polli’s approach reflects a commitment to interdisciplinary practice, mentorship, and public scholarship. By combining art and science, she aims to foster deeper understanding of environmental challenges and inspire innovative solutions rooted in both data and human experience.