Cynthia Cattell

Cynthia Cattell is a space plasma physicist known for her research on solar flares and radiation belts.

Education and career

Cattell has a B.A. from Hampshire College and earned her Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley in 1980.
As of 2021, Cattell is a professor in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Minnesota.

Research

Cattell's research on electron holes in space helps explain the release of energy from magnetic explosions in space. Cattell has also examined the energization of electrons in Earth's radiation belt and used satellite data to examine the behavior of ions flowing around Earth. Cattell uses her scientific knowledge to present the public with viewing opportunities to see the Northern Lights.

Awards and honors

National Academy of Sciences/Committee on Solar Terrestrial Research, 1993-1995
NASA Sun-Earth-Connection Advisory Subcommittee, 1998-2001
Chair, NASA Plasma Sail Assessment Working Group, 2003
National Academy of Sciences/Plasma Sciences Committee, 2001-2005
NASA SSSC Roadmap Committee, 2004-2005
Member, Advisory Committee to UCLA Basic Plasma Science Facility, 2004-2007
National Academy of Sciences/Committee on Science Opportunities Enables by NASA's Constellation System, 2008
Fellow, American Geophysical Union
Fellow, American Physical Society
George W. Taylor for Distinguished Service from the University of Minnesota
CSE Distinguished Professor
Mullen-Spector-Traux Women's Leadership Award
Cottrell Scholar

Personal life

In 2012, Cattell was diagnosed with cancer and was treated with an experimental drug developed by colleagues at University of Minnesota's Masonic Cancer Center. After receiving an increased dosage of an experimental drug there was a reduction in Cattell's tumor and her lymphoma was considered in remission.