Accolades Abound in University of Arizona HAS Department
Awardees at the 2026 Galileo Circle Awards Dinner.
As the Spring 2026 semester comes to a close, the University of Arizona Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences (HAS) is celebrating achievements by faculty members and students. The College of Science’s Galileo Circle presented the 2026 Copernicus award to HAS Professor of Practice Martha Whitaker and the 2026 Curie Award to HAS Associate Professor Bo Guo, who is also a University Distinguished Scholar. Galileo Circle awards “represent some of the highest distinctions the College can bestow, celebrating individuals who inspire students and advance scientific discovery in profound ways.” Whitaker also received the U of A 2026 Outstanding Faculty VIP Mentorship Award for her distinguished work supporting undergraduate research. Additionally, HAS Professor and Department Head Peter Troch was a 2026 Rieke Prize Honoree, recognized for his excellence in research.
HAS University Distinguished Professor Ty Ferré earned the 2026 Blitzer Award for Excellence in Teaching. At the award ceremony, he delivered a lecture titled “Hydrology: The Art of Saying as Much as You Can with the Little Data that You Can Afford,” which is now available on YouTube.
Jack Flanigan, a graduating student, was selected for the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program Award and to be a U of A University Fellow as he pursues a master’s degree beginning Fall 2026. Flanigan works under Professor Bo Guo on research regarding intake of PFAS and other emerging contaminants in plants.
Congratulations to all these distinguished researchers and educators in the department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences!