Howdy! My name is Kiersten Hottendorf and I am a PhD student in the Planetary Exploration Group at UI. I have a Bachelor’s of Science in Earth Science from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology and a Master’s of Science in Geology from the State University of New York at Buffalo. I am a big fan of music, hiking, and long conversations with my loved ones.

My research is focused around planetary volcanology and comparative planetology. In the past I have conducted volcanology research on the Earth, Moon, Mars, and Venus! I specifically use physical volcanology, igneous petrology, numerical modeling, and remote sensing in order to learn more about volcanism throughout our solar system.

My PhD research focuses on evaluating the efficacy of remote sensing on igneous terrains at the surface of Mars for petrologic interpretations through crystallization experiments and spectral measurements.

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