University of Iowa Alumni Shine in 2026 Guggenheim Fellowship Awards
Eight scholars with ties to the University of Iowa have been honored with the prestigious 2026 Guggenheim Fellowships, demonstrating exceptional contributions across a range of disciplines.
Sivan Cohen Elias, who once served as a visiting assistant professor and led the Electronic Music Studio at the university, has been acknowledged for her remarkable accomplishments in music composition. Currently teaching at the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities, Elias is known for her innovative electroacoustic intermedia compositions that blend sound, gesture, and video. Her work, which tackles themes like failure and illusion, has been showcased worldwide.
Former associate professor Christopher Harris is celebrated for his unique contributions to film and video production. Now a faculty member at Princeton University, Harris creates films that explore African American histories through experimental techniques. His current project features a series of 16mm films inspired by notable African American literature, and his work has been displayed at numerous festivals and museums.
Acclaimed novelist and critic Lucy Ives, a 2005 alumna of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, has been honored for her fiction writing. Ives has authored three novels, including Impossible Views of the World and Life Is Everywhere, and her essays have appeared in major publications such as Artforum and The Paris Review. Her teaching experience spans across institutions like Brown and Cornell universities.
Bret Anthony Johnston, a 2002 Iowa Writers’ Workshop graduate, has been recognized for his fiction works. Johnston, who directed Harvard’s creative writing program for over a decade, now leads the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas at Austin. His literary portfolio includes novels like Remember Me Like This and various short story collections.
Poet and playwright Suji Kwock Kim, a 1997 graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, has earned recognition for her poetry. With collections such as Notes from the Divided Country, her work has been featured in publications like The New York Times and The Paris Review. She is a UNESCO Writer-in-Residence in South Korea and holds fellowships with the Creative Capital Foundation and the Royal Society of Literature.
Interdisciplinary artist riel Sturchio, an assistant professor, is acknowledged for their work in photography. Their art challenges societal norms around beauty and gender, drawing from personal experiences with queerness and illness. Sturchio co-founded the Begin Collective, a photography initiative supporting marginalized communities.
Canadian-born novelist Madeleine Thien, who participated in Iowa’s International Writing Program in 2008, has been noted for her fiction. Her works, such as The Book of Records and Do Not Say We Have Nothing, have received critical acclaim and international recognition. Thien also writes children’s literature, including The Chinese Violin.
Robb Willer, a 1999 sociology graduate from Iowa, has been recognized for his contributions to sociology. A professor at Stanford University, Willer directs the Politics and Social Change Lab, with research focusing on social cohesion and division.
This year, the Guggenheim Foundation’s 101st Class of Fellows includes 223 distinguished individuals from 55 disciplines. The fellowships, which come with a monetary grant, highlight past achievements and potential for future contributions. Since 1925, the foundation has awarded nearly $450 million to over 19,000 recipients. For further details, visit the Guggenheim website.
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