My Story
Hello, my name is Kaitlyn Richards, and I am pursuing a Master of Natural Resource Sciences with a specialization in Hydrological Sciences. My research focuses on nitrogen concentrations in the vadose zone across Nebraska's climate regions. By combining GIS and Python, I aim to better understand how nutrients move through soil and groundwater. This work is vital for protecting water quality and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
My interest in natural resources deepened during my undergraduate studies at UNL, where I earned dual bachelors degrees in Environmental Studies and Fisheries and Wildlife. Through the Critical Zone Research Group, I gained hands-on experience studying the spatial distribution of nitrate in soil, linking patterns to surface irrigation. This work inspired one of my undergraduate theses focusing on reactive nitrogen species, which laid the foundation for the research I am pursuing today.
Beyond research, I am passionate about outreach and community action. As the graduate assistant for the Husker Pantry, I lead volunteer recruitment, communications, and partnerships to support food security on campus—a cause I have cared deeply about for many years.
In my free time, I enjoy making music and often weave natural resource themes into my songwriting.
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