Steward Observatory's Marcia Rieke Named Big 12 Faculty of the Year
Steward Observatory Regents Professor of Astronomy Marcia Rieke (center, with flowers) learned the news of her Big 12 Faculty of the Year Award in the company of U of A athletic coaches, College of Science Dean Carmie Garizone, and Buell Jannuzi, Head of the Department of Astronomy and Director of Steward Observatory.
The Big 12 Conference has announced Marcia Rieke, Regents Professor of Astronomy at University of Arizona, as the institution's U of A recipient of the 2025 Big 12 Faculty of the Year Award. Rieke will be honored at an upcoming basketball game, where she will be recognized for her contributions to astronomical research and education. Her work has made a lasting impact on our understanding of the universe, pushing the boundaries of what we know about the cosmos.
Since joining the University of Arizona in 1976, Rieke has made seminal contributions to infrared astronomy that have shaped the field for nearly five decades. Her work spans astronomical research, instrument development, and service to the astronomical community through public policy and outreach—achievements that have earned her international recognition and now, this prestigious conference honor.
"We are so grateful that Marcia chose to spend her career as part of our community at the University of Arizona," said Buell Jannuzi, Director of Steward Observatory and Head of the U of A Department of Astronomy. "She is not just a tremendously gifted and accomplished scientist, but has been a tremendous leader and mentor for all of us at Steward Observatory and the Department of Astronomy."
Rieke's most visible achievement is her role as Principal Investigator on NIRCam, a key instrument aboard the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Since the telescope began scientific operations, NIRCam has both reinforced and challenged our understanding of the early universe, delivering stunning images and groundbreaking data that have captivated scientists and the public alike.
Now in its second year, the Big 12 Faculty of the Year Award recognizes outstanding faculty members who have excelled in areas of innovation and research at Big 12 institutions. The award encompasses all 16 Big 12 members and celebrates educators who represent the best attributes that make college campuses bastions for learning and growth.
"Academic success is at the core of the mission of the Big 12, and that success is only possible with the help of excellent educators dedicated to advancing education and innovation at our institutions," said Big 12 Chief Impact Officer Jenn Hunter when the award was established last year.
Faculty members are nominated by their institutions in conjunction with Big 12 Faculty Athletics Representatives, Provosts, and other university leaders, ensuring that the recipients represent the highest caliber of academic excellence across diverse disciplines.
The presentation of the award at an upcoming basketball game will give the University of Arizona community an opportunity to celebrate one of its most distinguished faculty members and also to recognize the world-class astronomy research happening on the U of A campus.
