Garrett Hongo

Garrett Hongo is a Distinguished Professor of Arts and Sciences at the University of Oregon. Born in Volcano, Hawaiʻi, he grew up in Oʻahu and Los Angeles, earning degrees from Pomona College, the University of Michigan, and UC Irvine (MFA). His creative works include the poetry collection Coral Road, three anthologies, the memoir Volcano: A Memoir of Hawaiʻi, and The Mirror Diary: Selected Essays (2017). He is currently writing two books: The Ocean of Clouds (poetry) and The Perfect Sound: An Autobiography in Stereo (nonfiction).

• Education: Pomona College, University of Michigan, UC Irvine (MFA)

Research and Creative Focus: Hongo’s work spans poetry, memoir, and literary criticism, often exploring themes of cultural identity, place, and personal history. His poetry has been recognized with prestigious awards, and his nonfiction delves into interdisciplinary narratives.

Scientific and Literary Honors: He has received a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Fulbright Fellowship to Italy, two NEA grants, and the Lamont Poetry Prize. He was also a 1989 Pulitzer Prize finalist.