Clare Beams

Clare Beams is a Postdoctoral Fellow and Writer in Residence at the University of Pittsburgh's Department of English within the Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences. She specializes in literary fiction exploring themes of motherhood, female autonomy, and historical and Gothic narratives. Her works include the novels The Garden (2024), The Illness Lesson (2020), and the short story collection We Show What We Have Learned (2016). These works have garnered acclaim, including the Bard Fiction Prize and multiple fellowship recognitions. Beams has also taught creative writing at Carnegie Mellon University and the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts.

Her research interests span feminist narratives, medical ethics, and the intersection of historical contexts with contemporary issues. Awards include the National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship and recognition in The New York Times and Kirkus Reviews. Beams resides in Pittsburgh with her family, balancing literary contributions with academic engagement.