Kathy Trafton, PhD
About Kathy Trafton, PhD
Kathy Trafton, PhD, is a Physical Scientist at the National Minerals Information Center of the U.S. Geological Survey, where she analyzes critical mineral supply and demand. She has a diverse background in geology, teaching, and research, with experience at various educational institutions and expertise in isotopic geochemistry and stratigraphy.
Work at U.S. Geological Survey
Kathy Trafton currently serves as a Physical Scientist at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) within the National Minerals Information Center. She has been in this role since 2023, contributing to the analysis of mineral supply and demand critical to U.S. national security. Her work involves assessing the availability and strategic importance of various minerals, which plays a significant role in informing policy and resource management.
Education and Expertise
Kathy Trafton holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Volcanology from the University of Oregon, where she studied from 2016 to 2022. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Geological Sciences and French from Colby College, completing her studies from 2012 to 2016. Additionally, she gained expertise in isotopic geochemistry and stratigraphy during her studies at the University of Geneva in 2015.
Background
Kathy Trafton has a diverse professional background in both education and research. She has held various positions at Colby College, including roles as a Calculus Teaching Assistant, Geology Research Assistant, and Advanced French Tutor. Her experience also includes working as a Research and Teaching Fellow in Geological Sciences at the University of Oregon and volunteering as a teacher for the Geogirls program at Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Kathy Trafton has contributed to multiple research initiatives. She participated as a presenter in the ELIS Ewha-Luce International Seminar in Seoul, South Korea, in 2016. Her research work at the University of Oregon focused on volcanology, and she has been involved in analyzing environmental and geological data, which supports her current role at the National Minerals Information Center.