JD Stillwater

JD Stillwater is a science ambassador, author, and educator with a background from Cornell University, whose work explores the intersection of scientific discovery and human meaning. After a 24-year teaching career, Stillwater has focused on communicating scientific concepts to diverse audiences across North America and internationally, emphasizing the relationship between science, culture, and spirituality.

Stillwater specializes in making complex scientific ideas accessible to non-scientists, engaging audiences at venues such as Chautauqua Institution, Parliament of the World's Religions, academic conferences, civic clubs, and interfaith gatherings. He is a Sinai and Synapses Fellow, participating in an interfaith group of clergy, scientists, and writers dedicated to advancing the conversation between religion and science. Stillwater also serves on the governing council of the Institute on Religion in an Age of Science and is an officer of the Religious Naturalist Association, contributing to dialogue at the intersection of science and spirituality. His published works include "Before The Beginning: A Child's First Book of the Great Story."

As a keynote speaker, Stillwater presents on topics such as "Seven Candles: Science for a Deeper Spirituality," "Science Revelations: Repairing Ourselves and the World," "One Song: the Science of Unity," and "Complementarity: Quantum Physics and the End of Dogma." His multimedia presentations integrate science, imagery, and live music to encourage audiences to reconsider their relationship with the natural world. Stillwater has collaborated with songwriter Darryl Purpose on "The Great Turning: Stories and Music to Inspire Cultural Shift," a live performance combining science and music.

Stillwater's commitment to activism and global engagement is reflected in his participation in the Great Peace March for Global Nuclear Disarmament, walking from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., and joining a group of Americans and Soviets on a walk from Leningrad to Moscow. He has traveled to all 50 U.S. states and 19 other countries, bringing a broad perspective to his work. In addition to his roles as a science communicator and educator, Stillwater is a percussionist, retired home builder, and advocate for reducing carbon footprints, reflecting the interconnectedness he promotes in his speaking and writing.