Kavita Mitkari

Hello folks! I am a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Space Science and Engineering Center. My research focuses on using satellite imagery to study snow, glaciers, and sea ice—key components of the cryosphere that are rapidly changing due to climate change. I work with data from both optical and SAR sensors to extract information on snow cover, glacier features, and sea ice types, and to monitor their changes over time. Alongside conventional remote sensing techniques, I have recently started incorporating machine learning approaches into my work. My goal is to develop efficient, automated methods that help track environmental changes at large scales and support decision-making in polar and highaltitude regions.

I previously served as Vice President in UWPA, where I worked to amplify the voices of postdocs from diverse backgrounds including people of color and the LGBTQ+ community because everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and included.

I am passionate about building a community where postdocs feel supported, celebrated, and connected. This year, I am especially excited to focus on wellness, spotlight the incredible work of our peers through a series, and encourage our committees to find creative ways to bring people together.

Outside the lab, you will probably find me dancing (usually in my own space!), chatting with friends, cooking new foods, exploring new places, meeting new people, attending music concerts and simply watching movies. I am really looking forward to continuing this journey with all of you and making our postdoc experience as meaningful as possible.