Poet, professor of literature and creative writing, and scientist Myra Sklarew passed away on Dec. 30.

She graduated from Tufts University and worked in the Department of Neurophysiology at the Yale University School of Medicine. After receiving her MA from Johns Hopkins University in 1970, she came to American University where she co-founded the Master of Fine Arts program. Myra was president of the Yaddo Artist Community in Saratoga Springs, New York, from 1987 to 1991 and then returned to AU. She taught, mentored and advised over 10,000 students until her retirement in 2007.

Myra authored 17 books of poetry, nonfiction and science. One of her most well-received nonfiction books was “A Survivor Called Trauma,” which chronicles decades of research on the impact of trauma in the memory of Holocaust survivors. She gave numerous presentations including readings, lectures and performances during her career as a writer and educator. Over the years, she was recognized with awards and grants from a wide variety of organizations and institutions including the Poetry Society of America and PEN. She received the University Scholar/Teacher Award from American University.

She was married to Bruce Sklarew for 21 years. Their two children, Deborah (Mark) Langosch and Eric (Renee) Sklarew, were born in 1957 and 1959. She has three granddaughters, Rachel (Daniel) Renaud, Allison Sklarew and Danielle Sklarew and two great-granddaughters, Elle and Olympia Renaud and a sister, Betsy (the late Joseph) Buxer. She was predeceased by her sister Janice (the late Lawrence) Eanet. Myra Sklarew resided in Bethesda, MD, since 1961. Memorial contributions may be made to Montgomery Hospice.