University of Arizona Professors Awarded 2026 Guggenheim Fellowships

The prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship has been awarded to two distinguished faculty members from the University of Arizona, marking a significant achievement in their academic and artistic careers. The fellowship, bestowed by the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, supports the innovative work of individuals in the arts and sciences.

Elaine Romero, a prolific playwright with 120 plays to her credit, and Erika Hamden, an astrophysicist and director of the Arizona Space Institute, have been recognized as 2026 Guggenheim Fellows. Both professors are set to embark on groundbreaking projects with the support of this award.

A Playwright’s Craft

For Elaine Romero, the fellowship is more than an accolade; it’s a transformative opportunity. “What I love most about this fellowship is that it is equally valued among both artists and scholars,” Romero expressed, emphasizing her excitement for the University of Arizona’s College of Fine Arts and the School of Theatre, Film & Television. Her upcoming work, “Diablos Aquí,” will explore complex narratives through a technique she refers to as “vertical time.”

Romero’s dedication to her craft is evident from her years of applying for the fellowship. A simple sticky note reading “Guggenheim Winner” served as a daily reminder of her aspirations. This persistence and focus ultimately paid off when she received the foundation’s call earlier this year.

Reflecting on her journey, Romero credits her mentors, especially María Irene Fornés, for helping her find her unique voice. “She would often tell us to lend our plays our preoccupations,” Romero said, highlighting the importance of personal authenticity in art. Her role as a professor now allows her to inspire and mentor the next generation of writers, a responsibility she cherishes deeply.

Exploring the Cosmos

Astrophysicist Erika Hamden will leverage her fellowship to advance her research on space technology, particularly in developing advanced detectors and telescopes. As the principal investigator for NASA’s Eos Mission and deputy principal investigator for the Aspera Mission, Hamden’s work focuses on understanding the formation of stars and galaxies.

Hamden’s innovative approach involves the use of a Skipper CCD, a silicone-based sensor capable of detecting individual photons, which she believes will be a game-changer for astronomical observations. Her academic path has been marked by studies at Harvard College, a Ph.D. from Columbia University, and postdoctoral work at the California Institute of Technology.

“Being named a Guggenheim Fellow feels pretty incredible,” Hamden remarked. She acknowledges the essential support from the University of Arizona, the Steward Observatory, and the Office of Research and Partnerships, all of which have been pivotal in her research endeavors.