Awards and Accolades
Impey wins international prize for science writing
Chris Impey
Chris Impey, Distinguished Professor of Astronomy, has won The Rockefeller University Lewis Thomas Prize for Writing About Science. The annual award honors an individual who "bridges the worlds of science and the humanities," according to the university.
Impey is the author of "Worlds Without End: Exoplanets, Habitability, and the Future of Humanity," among other science books. He has over 450 publications on education, observational cosmology, galaxies and quasars and his research has been supported by $20 million in NASA and National Science Foundation grants
Impey will be honored and present a lecture in March at The Rockefeller University in New York.
Cynthia Stokes awarded National American Prize for University of Arizona opera production
Cynthia Stokes
Cynthia Stokes, Amelia T. Rieman Endowed Chair for Opera Theater in the School of Music, has been named the winner of the 2025 Charles Nelson Reilly American Prize in Directing in the Small University category for her University of Arizona production of "Thumbprint."
The honor is presented by the American Prize, an nonprofit organization that recognizes performers, ensembles, composers, directors and administrators through nonprofit performing arts competitions. The award celebrates leadership in opera, and music at both collegiate and professional levels.
In recognizing Stokes, the organization said she has "devoted her professional career to creating provocative and thrilling productions across America."
Read more about the honor in a story on the School of Music website.
Dan Marrone named AAS fellow
Steward Observatory's Dan Marrone has been named an American Astronomical Society fellow for 2026.
Dan Marrone
Marrone, a professor in the Department of Astronomy, is being recognized for his significant contribution to modern radio and submillimeter astrophysics. His work focuses on ground-based observatories, balloon-borne experiments and space-based missions.
The designation is bestowed on less than 0.5% of AAS's membership each year in recognition of original research and publications, contributions to astronomical techniques or instrumentation, and excellence in education and public outreach.
Read more on the University of Arizona Astronomy & Steward Observatory website.
U of A professor recognized for Eagle Scout community Involvement
Charles Gerba
Charles Gerba, professor in the Department of Environmental Science, has been selected for the 2025 Distinguished Eagle Scout Award by the National Eagle Scout Association.
The award is given to individuals who have earned national-level recognition in their profession and/or service to the nation while maintaining a strong record of voluntary community commitment. Previous recipients include astronaut Niel Armstrong and President Gerald Ford.
Gerba has been featured on numerous television programs and magazines and authored of over 500 journal articles. His work focuses on virology and pathogen detection in water and food, pathogen occurrence in households and risk assessment.
Gerba will receive his award on Feb. 21 at the Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner in Tucson.