Kaitlin Steinauer

Kaitlin Steinauer is a 2026-2030 Self Graduate Fellow pursuing a Ph.D. in Geology at the University of Kansas. In 2023, she graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. in Geology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where she received the Undergraduate Major Award in her field. She then continued her studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, earning an M.S. in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences with a concentration in Geology in 2025. While at UNL, Kaitlin’s research focused on applying gravimetric methods to monitor groundwater-level variations in Nebraska’s aquifers.

Driven by the desire to use geophysics in ways that directly benefit communities, Kaitlin’s current research focuses on forensic geophysics. Specifically, she is working to expand and refine geophysical methodologies used in the search for clandestine graves. This work is conducted in collaboration with the Kansas Geological Survey’s Forensic and Archaeological Subsurface Target (FAST) team, where Kaitlin helps to mentor students and provide hands-on field training. The broader goal of this research is to support law enforcement investigations involving missing persons while ultimately helping provide answers and closure to affected families.  

Mentor: George Tsoflias, Ph.D. Dean A. McGee Professor of Applied Geophysics, Geology, and Blair Schneider, Ph.D. Associate Researcher and Science Outreach Manager for the Kansas Geological Survey.