SC Connecticut News

Seven Yale faculty members have been announced as recipients of the 2024 fellowships from the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation. The seven scholars named as Guggenheim Fellows are Ned Blackhawk, Marta Figlerowicz, Ben Hagari, Elizabeth Hinton, Tavia Nyong’o, Douglas Rogers, and Travis Zadeh.

According to the Guggenheim Foundation, these individuals were selected from a competitive pool of about 3,000 applicants for their exceptional achievements and promise. The Foundation offers fellowships to individuals pursuing scholarship and artistic creation in any field, providing them with the opportunity to work independently at the highest level under favorable conditions.

Edward Hirsch, the president of the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, emphasized the significance of the fellowship, stating, “The Guggenheim Fellowship is a life-changing recognition. It’s a celebrated investment into the lives and careers of distinguished artists, scholars, scientists, writers and other cultural visionaries who are meeting these challenges head-on and generating new possibilities and pathways across the broader culture as they do so.”

This year's cohort of Yale faculty members represents the largest group from the university to receive Guggenheim fellowships in at least a decade. Six of the seven recipients are affiliated with Yale’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences, showcasing the diversity of expertise within the institution.

Ned Blackhawk, a prominent scholar of Native American history and law, was recognized for his significant contributions to the field. Marta Figlerowicz, an associate professor of comparative literature and English, was acknowledged for her work on literature and contemporary visual media. Ben Hagari, a lecturer in sculpture, was selected for his innovative and experimental approach to art.

Elizabeth Hinton, a professor of history, African American studies, and law, was recognized for her research on poverty, racial inequality, and urban violence. Tavia Nyong’o, a professor of Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies, and American studies, was honored for his work on Black performance. Douglas Rogers, a professor of anthropology, was acknowledged for his research on political and economic anthropology. Travis Zadeh, a professor of religious studies, was recognized for his work on the interconnected histories of science, magic, and religion.

The Guggenheim Foundation has a long history of supporting individuals in various fields of knowledge and art, with this year's fellows representing a diverse range of scholarly disciplines and artistic fields. The foundation has awarded over $400 million in fellowships to more than 19,000 fellows since its establishment in 1925.

This recognition not only highlights the exceptional talent within Yale's faculty but also underscores the university's commitment to advancing knowledge and creativity across different disciplines.