 Gibbs was able to concentrate more fully on his research, particularly his work with Dr. Galina Khitrova and Dr. Stephan W. Koch on the quantum nano-optics of semiconductors.Gibbs became a professor emeritus in 2011, but continued his work until his death in 2012.The unusual main-belt asteroid 221628 Hyatt was named in his honor on 3 July 2012 (), just two months before he died.