Holly Gilbert

Dr. Holly Gilbert is Chief of the Solar Physics Laboratory in the Heliophysics Science Division at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. Dr. Gilbert’s main area of research involves the solar atmosphere and phenomena associated with coronal mass ejections (CMEs), such as prominences and global waves. Her research in this area will lead to a greater understanding of the magnetic environment that controls solar eruptions (sometimes referred to as “solar storms”).

Her previous role at NASA involved managing the education and outreach activities of the Heliophysics Science Division. Dr. Gilbert also has extensive experience with the media, including appearances on documentaries on the History Channel, Discovery Channel, and National Geographic Channel. Her commitment to education and outreach was recognized by the dedication of the Dr. Holly Gilbert Solar Telescope at St. George Observatory in Schriever, LA in 2007.

Educational Background

• B.A., Physics, 1997, University of Colorado
• Ph.D., Theoretical Astrophysics, 2005, University of Oslo

Appointments

• 2011-present: Chief, Solar Physics Laboratory, Heliophysics Science Division, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center
• 2008-2011: Heliophysics Science Division Associate Director for Science, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center
• 2005-2008: Research Scientist, Rice University
• 1997-2005: Associate Scientist, High Altitude Observatory, National Center for Atmospheric Research

Selected Publications

• Gilbert, H. R., G. Kilper, D. Alexander, T. Kucera, Comparing Spatial Distributions of Solar Prominence Mass Derived from Coronal Absorption, Ap.J., 727, 25, 2011.
• Gilbert, H. R., A. G. Daou, D. Young, D. Tripathi, D. Alexander, The filament-Moreton wave interaction of 2006 December 06, Ap. J., 685, 629, 2008.
• Gilbert, H. R., G. Kilper, D. Alexander, Observational evidence supporting cross-field diffusion of neutral material in solar filaments, Ap. J., 671, 978, 2007.
• Gilbert, H. R., T. E. Holzer, R. M. MacQueen, A new technique for deriving prominence mass from SOHO/EIT Fe XII (19.5 nm) absorption features, Ap. J., 618, 524-536, 2005.
• Gilbert, H. R., V. H. Hansteen, T. E. Holzer, Neutral atom diffusion in a partially ionized prominence plasma, Ap. J., 577, 464-474, 2002.
• Gilbert, H. R., T. E. Holzer, B. C. Low, J. T. Burkepile, Observational interpretation of an active prominence on May 1, 1999, Ap. J., 549, 1221-1230, 2001.

Contact

Dr. Holly Gilbert
Chief of Solar Physics Laboratory, Code 671
Heliophysics Science Division
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Building 21, Room 159B
Greenbelt, MD 20771


Phone: 301-286-3042
Fax: 301-286-5348
holly.r.gilbert@nasa.gov