Myra Sklarew

Myra Sklarew 1144396

Myra Sklarew is an American poet, writer, and professor emerita at American University in Washington, D.C.. She is known for her contributions to contemporary poetry and her work in the field of neuroscience.

Early Life and Education

Myra Sklarew was born in Baltimore, Maryland. She attended Tufts University, where she earned a degree in biology. Sklarew later pursued graduate studies in neuroscience at Brandeis University under the mentorship of neuroscientist Jerome Lettvin.

Career

Sklarew's career spans both the literary and scientific fields. She has published numerous collections of poetry, short stories, and essays. Her work often explores themes of memory, history, and identity. Sklarew has also been involved in Holocaust studies, drawing on her family's experiences during World War II.

Literary Contributions

Sklarew's poetry is characterized by its lyrical quality and deep engagement with human experience. Some of her notable works include:

• From the Backyard of the Diaspora
• Lithuania: New & Selected Poems
• The Witness Trees

Her writing has appeared in various literary journals and anthologies, and she has received numerous awards and honors for her work.

Academic Career

Sklarew joined the faculty of American University in 1970, where she taught in the Department of Literature. She served as the director of the MFA Program in Creative Writing and was instrumental in developing the university's creative writing curriculum. Sklarew retired as a professor emerita but continues to be active in the literary community.

Personal Life

Myra Sklarew resides in Bethesda, Maryland. She is married and has two children. Her personal experiences and family history have significantly influenced her literary work.

Selected Bibliography

• From the Backyard of the Diaspora (1981)
• Lithuania: New & Selected Poems (1995)
• The Witness Trees (2000)
• A Survivor Named Trauma (2016)

Awards and Honors

Sklarew has received several awards for her contributions to literature, including:

• The National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship
• The National Jewish Book Award
• The Pen/Faulkner Award nomination

See Also

• American poetry
• Holocaust literature
• Neuroscience and literature