Matthew J. Holman

Matthew J. Holman, born in 1967, is a distinguished astrophysicist and researcher affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution and Harvard University. His academic journey began at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics in 1989, followed by a PhD in planetary science in 1994.

Throughout his career, Holman has made significant contributions to the field of astronomy. Notably, he was honored with the prestigious Newcomb Cleveland Prize in 1998, recognizing his impactful research and dedication to advancing our understanding of planetary science.

From January twenty-fifth, two thousand fifteen, to February ninth, two thousand twenty-one, Holman served as the interim director of the International Astronomical Union's Minor Planet Center, stepping in after Timothy B. Spahr's departure. His leadership was pivotal during this transitional period, and he was succeeded by Matthew Payne.

In addition to his professional achievements, Holman shares a unique connection with politics; he was a classmate of Joe Miller, an Alaskan Senate candidate, at Salina Central High School in Kansas, where they both participated in the debate team. In recognition of his contributions to astronomy, the main-belt asteroid 3666 Holman was named in his honor in 1999.