IU Bloomington awards recognize faculty excellence in research, teaching, early-career achievement
Source: IU Bloomington Today
Indiana University Bloomington has named the 2026 recipients of campus awards for outstanding faculty achievement. These honors celebrate excellence across all academic stages, from emerging scholars to distinguished faculty with lasting global impact.
“Universities are in the talent business, and these awards highlight some of our very best talent,” IU Bloomington Chancellor David Reingold said. “What makes IU Bloomington a great American public university are the contributions and accomplishments of our faculty. It is a pleasure to recognize the good work being done here with these awards.”
“Each year, IU Bloomington is proud to recognize faculty whose work exemplifies excellence across research, teaching and discovery,” said John Ciorciari, IU Bloomington interim provost and executive vice chancellor. “These awards reflect the extraordinary impact our faculty have on advancing knowledge, supporting student success and strengthening our academic community.”
Distinguished Faculty Research Award and Tracy M. Sonneborn Award
The Tracy M. Sonneborn Award, which recognizes faculty for excellence in both teaching and research, is named in honor of the late IU biologist and renowned geneticist. The Distinguished Faculty Research Award honors a faculty member whose research makes significant contributions to society.
2026 recipients:
- Tracy M. Sonneborn Award: Kimberly Novick, Paul H. O’Neill Chair in the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs.
- Distinguished Faculty Research Award: Osamu James Nakagawa, Ruth N. Halls Professor and Distinguished Professor in the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design.
Both award winners will deliver a public lecture, with details to be announced in the fall semester.
Outstanding Junior Faculty Award
The Outstanding Junior Faculty Award recognizes early-career faculty who have not yet achieved tenure and whose research or creative work demonstrates exceptional promise. The award also provides resources to support the continued development of their scholarly programs.
2026 recipients:
- J.P. Gerdt, assistant professor of chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences.
- Ricky Camplain, assistant professor of epidemiology in the School of Public Health-Bloomington.
- Elizabeth Hebbard, assistant professor of French in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Provost Professors and Class of 1948 Herman B Wells Professor
IU Bloomington will recommend five distinguished faculty to the IU Board of Trustees for appointment to the Provost Professorship and the Class of 1948 Herman B Wells Professorship. These honors recognize faculty who have achieved distinction in research and creative activity, as well as excellence in teaching and service to students.
Recommended appointments:
- Provost Professor: Simon C. Brassell, professor of earth and atmospheric sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences.
- Provost Professor: W. Michael Snow, professor of physics in the College of Arts and Sciences.
- Provost Professor: Michael A. Mandell, professor of mathematics in the College of Arts and Sciences.
- Provost Professor: Jennifer Barber, professor of sociology in the College of Arts and Sciences.
- Class of 1948 Herman B Wells Professor: Mimi Zweig, professor of music (violin and viola) in the Jacobs School of Music.
“Our faculty are the heart of this campus and we are deeply grateful for their dedication,” said Carrie Docherty, vice provost for faculty and academic affairs. “IU Bloomington is fortunate to have such a committed group of scholars and teachers who make it an exceptional place to work and learn.”
All of the award recipients were recommended by a faculty committee sponsored by the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty and Academic Affairs. A celebration will be held to honor these awardees during the fall 2026 semester.
