Erika Gibb

Erika Gibb is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL). Her research bridges Astrophysics, Astrobiology, and Cometary Science, focusing on the volatile composition of comets and protoplanetary disks.

• University: University of Missouri-St. Louis
• Department: Physics & Astronomy
• Contact: gibbe@umsl.edu

Gibb’s research investigates the chemical evolution of volatiles in cometary comae and protoplanetary disks. She employs high-resolution NIRSPEC and iSHELL spectroscopy to analyze molecules like CH₄, CO, and HDO, linking their abundances to Earth’s origins and organic delivery in the early solar system.

Her recent work with Keck Observatory and NASA-IRTF has mapped volatile production in comets 45P/Honda-Mrkos-Pajdušáková, 103P/Hartley 2, and C/2017 K2 (Pan-STARRS), revealing insights into cometary taxonomy and disk-comet parallels. Collaborative projects with NASA Goddard and Rowan University aim to clarify the role of comets in delivering water and organics to Earth.

Affiliated Programs:

• Undergraduate Research: Supervises UMSL students in spectroscopic data analysis
• Course Involvement: ASTRON 1001A (Cosmic Evolution), PHYSICS 3390 (Research)