Kivelson's Career in Physics and Space Science
The professional journey of Kivelson is marked by a transition from theoretical high-energy physics to the expansive field of space physics. Her career spans prestigious research institutions, government consultancy, and academic leadership, contributing significant theoretical advancements to our understanding of electron interactions and plasma dynamics.
Foundations in High-Energy Physics
Kivelson began her scientific contributions with her PhD thesis in 1957, titled "Bremsstrahlung of High Energy Electrons." Bremsstrahlung, or braking radiation, occurs when a charged particle is deflected and slowed down, emitting electromagnetic radiation. In her work, she provided a critical expression for the cross section of forward scattering to all orders in the Coulomb interaction.
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Research at the RAND Corporation
Between 1955 and 1971, Kivelson served as a physics consultant at the RAND Corporation in Santa Monica, California. During this tenure, she focused on the interactions of electron gases and plasmas. To achieve this, she employed mathematical techniques derived from quantum electrodynamics (QED), the relativistic quantum field theory of electrodynamics.
Collaborating with Don DuBois, Kivelson derived a correction to Landau's relation, specifically addressing the damping excitations of unmagnetized plasma. This work refined the theoretical understanding of how energy dissipates within plasma environments.
Transition to Academia and UCLA
A pivotal shift in Kivelson's career occurred during a leave from RAND from 1965 to 1966. Supported by a fellowship from the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, she conducted research at Harvard and MIT. This experience in a university setting motivated her to pursue a permanent academic career.
In 1967, she joined UCLA as an assistant research geophysicist. Her rapid ascent in the geophysics and space physics communities led to her appointment as a full professor in the Department of Earth and Space Sciences by 1980. Her leadership capabilities were further recognized through her roles as department chair during two separate terms: 1984–1987 and 1999–2000.
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Institutional Leadership and Advisory Roles
Beyond her teaching and research, Kivelson held several influential positions within the scientific and academic community. She served on the Harvard College board of overseers from 1977 to 1983 and was a member of NASA's advisory council from 1987 to 1993. Additionally, she contributed to the National Research Council's Committee on Solar-Terrestrial Research between 1989 and 1992.
Kivelson also championed institutional equity, co-chairing the UCLA Academic Faculty Senate's Committee on Gender Equality issues from 1998 to 2000. In 2009, she was named a distinguished professor of space physics, emerita, and subsequently joined the University of Michigan as a research professor in 2010.
Key Facts
- PhD Thesis (1957): Focused on the Bremsstrahlung of high-energy electrons.
- RAND Corporation: Consultant from 1955 to 1971, specializing in plasma and electron gas interactions.
- UCLA Tenure: Joined in 1967; became a full professor in 1980 and chaired the Earth and Space Sciences department twice.
- Advisory Work: Served on NASA's advisory council (1987–1993) and the National Research Council (1989–1992).
- Emeritus Status: Named distinguished professor of space physics, emerita in 2009.
| Period | Organization/Institution | Role/Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 1955–1971 | RAND Corporation | Physics Consultant |
| 1957 | PhD Completion | Thesis on Bremsstrahlung |
| 1965–1966 | Radcliffe Institute / Harvard / MIT | Scientific Research Fellow |
| 1967–2009 | UCLA | Assistant Research Geophysicist to Distinguished Professor |
| 1987–1993 | NASA | Advisory Council Member |
| 2010 | University of Michigan | Research Professor |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary focus of Kivelson's PhD thesis?
Her 1957 thesis, "Bremsstrahlung of High Energy Electrons," provided a mathematical expression for the cross section of forward scattering to all orders in the Coulomb interaction.
What did Kivelson research during her time at the RAND Corporation?
She researched the interactions of plasmas and electron gases, utilizing mathematical techniques similar to those used in quantum electrodynamics.
How did the Radcliffe Institute influence her career path?
The fellowship allowed her to conduct research at Harvard and MIT, which motivated her to transition from consultancy to a career in academia at UCLA.
Which leadership roles did she hold at UCLA?
Kivelson chaired the Department of Earth and Space Sciences from 1984 to 1987 and again from 1999 to 2000, and she co-chaired the Committee on Gender Equality issues from 1998 to 2000.
What external advisory boards did she serve on?
She served on the board of overseers at Harvard College, NASA's advisory council, and the National Research Council's Committee on Solar-Terrestrial Research.