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.

Curriculum Vitae