Biography and education
Nicole DesChamps-Benke is an Artist, Professor of Instruction at Texas State University, and Director of the Multidisciplinary Innovation Lab in the School of Art & Design. Her curriculum integrates digital fabrication technologies with traditional studio making processes.
DesChamps-Benke received a BFA from the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit and MFA from the University of Michigan. The Walker Art Museum Shop Gallery (Minneapolis), Aaron Faber Gallery (New York), American Craft Museum (New York), Gallery Okariya (Ginza District of Tokyo), Yamawaki Art college Gallery (Tokyo, Japan) and Tsubame Industrial Materials Museum (Nigata, Japan) have exhibited her work. Additional showcases can be found in publications, such as The Metalsmith’s Book of Boxes and Lockets; Mokume Gane: A Comprehensive Study; Metalsmith Magazine; and The Four Seasons of Jewelry Japanese quarterly journal. Nicole was a featured co-presenter at the 1999 Society of North American Goldsmiths conference in St. Louis, Missouri, for being an early adopter of computer aided technologies. The Museum of Art and Design, formerly American Craft Museum (New York) and Racine Art Museum (Racine) hold her work in their permanent collections.
Featured grants
- Asiabanpour, B. (Principal), DesChamps-Benke, Nicole (Co-Principal). Bridge design and prototyping research camp, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), State, $20000. (Funded: 2011). Grant.
- DesChamps-Benke, Nicole (Principal), Datchuk, Jennifer L (Co-Principal), Penn, Beverly (Co-Principal). Teaching and Learning Technology Innovation Grant, Division of Information Technology, Texas State University, $4349.99. (Funded: November 2020 - 2022). Grant.
- Penn, B. (Principal), DesChamps-Benke, Nicole (Co-Principal). Art Design Resource Center (ADRC) Print Revolution, Academic Computing Committee (ACC), Institutional (Higher Ed), $3299. (Submitted: January 1, 2014). Grant.
- Penn, B. (Principal), DesChamps-Benke, Nicole (Co-Principal). Art Design Resource Center (ADRC) Print Revolution, Academic Computing Committee (ACC), Institutional (Higher Ed), $5787. (Submitted: January 1, 2013). Grant.
- Asiabanpour, B. (Principal), DesChamps-Benke, Nicole (Co-Principal). Bridge design and prototyping research camp, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), State, $19250. (Submitted: January 1, 2010). Grant.

Featured scholarly/creative works
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Beyond the Seat. Private Collection. Private. 2023 - Present.
- Self Reflection. Private Collection. Private. 2023 - Present.
- WE ARE SNAG: Anthology 2022. Virtual Catalogue. January 2022 - Present
- Racine Art Museum Permanent Collection, Racine Art Museum. Museum. March 2016 - Present, Acquired: 2016.
- Museum of Art and Design (formerly American Craft Museum) Permanent Collection, Museum of Art and Design (formerly American Craft Museum) New York, NY. Museum. 2000 - Present, Acquired: 2000.
Featured awards
- Award / Honor Recipient: 1st Place Juror Award, Synthesis: Digital Craft Exhibition, Hayloft Gallery, Floy, VA. June 15, 2024
- Award / Honor Recipient: Non-Tenure Line Faculty Release Program, Texas State University. 2015
- Award / Honor Recipient: Best of Show−Jurors Choice Award, 9x9x9 Size Matters, Jean Paul Slusser Gallery, Ann Arbor, MI. 2012
- Award / Honor Nominee: Presidential Teaching Awards Department Nominee. 2011
- Award / Honor Recipient: Honored as a favorite professor at the Alpha Delta Pi's Annual Scholarship Banquet, Alpha Delta Pi. 2003

Featured service activities
- Member
School of Art & Design PC Committee - Non-Tenure Line
- Other
Texas State University Bobcat Day
- Member
School of Art & Design - Curriculum Committee
- Chair
School of Art & Design - MIL Director and Program Faculty
- Participant
New Student Orientation - Art and Design Connects
- Member
School of Art & Design Policy Review Committee - Faculty Line of Instruction
