Katherine Potter, Ph.D.

Field: Earth Science
Areas of Focus: Mineral Resources, Volcanology

Expertise

• Mineral resources
• Volcanoes

Bio

Dr. Katherine (Katie) Potter grew up in Durango, Colorado on the edge of the Colorado Plateau and the San Juan Mountains — an ideal setting for developing an appreciation for rocks and geologic processes. She earned a B.S. at Fort Lewis College, a master’s degree at Idaho State University, and a Ph.D. in geology at Utah State University. Much of her research has involved studying volcanism and magma evolution associated with the Yellowstone-Snake River Plain hotspot, subsurface volcanic stratigraphy, and geothermal and carbon storage potential on the Snake River Plain of Idaho — all using drill core. Her experience logging drill core for science has translated into logging drill core for industries, and at various periods she has worked as an exploration geologist for a mining company in Nevada and Colorado and at a major oil company in Texas. Currently, she is an assistant professor of professional practice where her role is providing students with the tools and knowledge to be successful in a wide variety of geoscience careers upon graduation.