Tim Z. Hernandez

Tim Z. Hernandez is an Associate Professor in the University of Texas El Paso's Bilingual M.F.A. in Creative Writing program. An award-winning author, investigative researcher, performer, and documentary filmmaker, Hernandez has gained international acclaim for his diverse literary works spanning poetry, novels, historical fiction, memoir, and screenplays.

His research interests focus on creative writing across multiple genres with particular emphasis on Latino literature, border studies, and social justice. Hernandez's work consistently explores themes of cultural identity, immigration, and the Chicano experience, often blending documentary techniques with creative forms. His investigative approach to literature has led to groundbreaking works that bridge academic research and artistic expression.

Hernandez has received numerous prestigious awards including the American Book Award, the Premio Aztlan Prize, the Colorado Book Award, and the International Latino Book Award. His work has been featured in major media outlets such as the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, C-Span, and NPR's Latino USA, All Things Considered, and Alt.Latino.

As an educator, Hernandez has extensive experience teaching creative writing, having collaborated with Poets & Writers Inc. across the west coast (2007-2016) and serving as Colorado Writers-in-the-Schools state-wide coordinator (2010-14) with focus on rural, under-served communities. Since 2015, he has co-hosted the literary radio program Words on a Wire KTEP 88.5fm, the NPR affiliate for the borderlands.

His performance work includes collaborations with various troupes, theater ensembles, and artists at venues such as Theaterwork in Santa Fe, Dixon Place in NYC, and The Getty Center in Los Angeles. Hernandez has also lent his poetry and voice to music albums, performing and recording with acclaimed musicians including jazz legend David Amram and Grammy Award-winning composer Eugene Freisen.