I am pursuing a PhD in Geophysics at Stanford University, where I am a member of the Radar Remote Sensing Group. As a collaborator on NASA's VERITAS mission, I am investigating to what extent we will be able to use Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) to observe signs of active volcanism on Venus.
In May 2024, I graduated from the University of Virginia, where I majored in environmental sciences and computer science and minored in astronomy. While on campus, I wrote for the humor section of the Cavalier Daily, UVA's student newspaper, and I led weekly improv comedy sessions.
In the summer of 2023, I interned at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in the Exoplanet Discovery Group to algorithmically assess the quality and scientific utility of exoplanet transmission spectra.
I am especially interested in using remote sensing to explore what we can't already see on Earth, Mars, Venus, and ocean worlds like Europa.
From 2022 to 2023, I processed 17 years of radar data from the Mars Express Orbiter's MARSIS instrument at JPL. I delivered the completed archive to NASA's Planetary Data System, where it is now accessible to the public (titled "Optimized MARSIS Radargram Data").
From 2021 to 2022, in an atmospheric chemistry lab at UVA, I made a prototype for an air pollution injustice map of Houston, Texas. My research project focused on making satellite observations of air pollution more accessible.
In my free time, I love exploring new places, going on hikes, and taking photos.
© 2023 Kate McCarthy