Kirk Long and Constanza Echiburú‑Trujillo Receive 2026 R. N. Thomas Award
JILA is pleased to announce that graduate students Kirk Long and Constanza Echiburú‑Trujillo are the recipients of the 2026 Richard Nelson Thomas Award, which recognizes outstanding experimental contributions by JILA graduate students. This year’s nominees also included Drake Miller III and Sajal Gupta, highlighting the strength and breadth of graduate research across the institute.
Long was recognized for his contributions at JILA prior to beginning a postdoctoral appointment in Germany. Although he was unable to attend the award presentation in person, his work and engagement during his time at JILA exemplify the standards of excellence and collaboration the Thomas Award is meant to recognize.
Echiburú‑Trujillo was honored for her accomplishments as a JILA graduate student and her contributions to the JILA research community. In addition to her academic work, she has been an active and supportive presence within her group and the broader institute.
The R. N. Thomas Award is presented annually in memory of Richard Nelson Thomas, whose dedication to experimental science and graduate education left a lasting impact at JILA. The award recognizes students whose work and service reflect those values and who contribute meaningfully to JILA’s collaborative research environment.
Kirk Long.