Kaitlin Keegan

Kaitlin Keegan is an Assistant Professor at the University of Nevada, Reno within the Graduate Program of Hydrologic Sciences. Her research focuses on the material properties of ice and their role in interpreting paleoclimate records from ice cores.

• Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Dartmouth College (2014)
• B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Cincinnati (2009)

Her work investigates snow metamorphism, firn compaction, and meltwater interactions with polar ice sheets using fieldwork, microstructure analysis (e.g., micro-CT), and computational modeling. She specializes in understanding how ice microstructure preserves climate history and impacts meltwater retention.

Recent publications highlight her interdisciplinary approach combining glaciology, materials science, and topological data analysis. Key projects include firn microstructure evolution at Taylor Dome, meltwater infiltration feedbacks, and physics-based firn compaction models.

Laboratory members include graduate students Drake McCrimmon (PhD), Dylen Swan (MS), and undergraduate researcher Samantha Regalado, alongside alumni Ian McDowell (PhD 2024) and Justin Toller (MS 2023).