VERITAS
In my primary research project as part of Stanford's Radar Interferometry Group, I study how we can detect active surface deformation on Venus using Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) on NASA's upcoming VERITAS mission.
PhD Candidate · Stanford University
Kate McCarthy
I use radar remote sensing to investigate questions in planetary science.
Backstory
Click a point on the wave to read about it.
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The beginning
As a kid, I was obsessed with astronomy. Some people say they "grew out" of a space phase. I never did (and never will).
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I learn about remote sensing
During my first year of undergrad, I learn about the field of remote sensing. I ask a remote sensing group on campus if they could use any help on research projects. I create interactive air pollution injustice maps to make satellite observations of air pollution more accessible.
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I discover my passion for planetary remote sensing
I intern at NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) creating a new data archive for the MARSIS mission. While working with the data, I discover my passion for planetary remote sensing.
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Exploring through class projects
Through class projects from 2022 up until graduating from UVA, I use planetary mission datasets to pursue my own curiosities about Mars and Europa.
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Back at JPL
I intern in JPL's Exoplanet Discovery Group algorithmically assessing the quality and scientific utility of exoplanet transmission spectra, which broadens my view of both remote sensing and planetary science.
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Where I am now
I am now pursuing my PhD in Geophysics at Stanford, using radar remote sensing to investigate questions in planetary science.
See my research →
Research
Europa Clipper
In my secondary project with Stanford's Radio Glaciology Lab, I am studying strategies for REASON, Europa Clipper's radar instrument, to observe certain geologically interesting interfaces in Europa's ice shell.