Rivka Galchen

Rivka Galchen is an Associate Professor of Writing and Head of Fiction in the Undergraduate Creative Writing program at Columbia University's School of the Arts. An alumna of the program ('06), she teaches fiction writing and has developed a distinctive pedagogical approach that emphasizes writing as "an endurance sport" characterized by resilience against rejection.

Galchen earned her MD from Mount Sinai School of Medicine before pursuing writing, a transition reflected in her unique perspective on narrative and science. Her educational journey bridges medicine and literature, creating a distinctive interdisciplinary foundation for her creative and critical work.

Galchen's creative practice spans fiction, literary criticism, and science journalism, demonstrating remarkable versatility across genres. Her research interests include the intersection of science and literature, contemporary fiction techniques, and the psychological dimensions of narrative. She explores how scientific concepts can inform literary storytelling, creating works that blend factual precision with imaginative depth. Her writing often examines the boundaries between reality and perception, particularly in how we understand illness, death, and the human condition.

Her published work reveals a consistent exploration of scientific concepts through literary lenses, with recent pieces focusing on astronomy, artificial intelligence, and ecological issues. Galchen approaches complex scientific topics with accessible prose that maintains intellectual rigor while engaging general readers. This interdisciplinary approach has established her as a distinctive voice bridging the "two cultures" of science and humanities.

• Guggenheim Fellowship
• Rona Jaffe Fellowship
• The Berlin Prize
• The William J. Saroyan International Prize in Fiction
• Included in The New Yorker's list of 20 Writers Under 40 (2010)

As an educator, Galchen has mentored numerous emerging writers at Columbia University. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes persistence and resilience in the face of rejection, both external and internal. While specific grant information isn't detailed in the provided texts, her prestigious fellowships suggest significant recognition of her scholarly and creative contributions. Galchen's ability to balance her demanding writing career with teaching responsibilities demonstrates her commitment to nurturing the next generation of writers.

Though not associated with a traditional research lab, Galchen participates in Columbia's vibrant literary community and contributes to The New Yorker as a staff writer. Her work creates intellectual spaces where scientific inquiry and literary imagination intersect, fostering dialogue between disciplines that are often kept separate.