Ivy S. Curren

University of California Los Angeles

Department of Earth & Space Sciences

Institute for Planets & Exoplanets

About Me

I am currently a graduate student pursuing my Master's in Geology at UCLA under Prof. Peter Bird, but will soon be continuing to my PhD work with Prof. An Yin.
While my academic and professional backgrounds are classical geology and geophysics, respectively, I am interested more interested in the geology of other planets
solar system bodies. My current research focuses on using laboratory models to try to replicate and explain observed planetary geology, particularly tectonic processes.
You can watch a video of some of one of my more recent experiments here.

Other research interests include identifying analogs on Earth for surface features on Venus and utilizing SIR-C radar images for mapping Earth analogs with hope that
the structural features on Venus can be better understood, determining the dynamic relationship between the surface atmosphere of Venus and its surface and sub-surface
features; investigating the relationship between surface and subsurface elemental reservoirs as a function of tectonics (i.e. subduction and volcanism).

When not working on research, I help to organize international conferences and workshops, create newsletters, and assist with education and public outreach for the
Institute for Planets and Exoplanets (iPLEX).

Outside of UCLA, I am involved in keeping active (I have run the Ragnar Relay from Huntington Beach to San Diego twice), hiking with my two dogs and husband, fly fishing,
camping, and visiting National Parks. I've driven across the U.S. from coast to coast on seven separate occasions, and visited close to all of the National Parks in the lower 48
states and several in Canada. I also try to visit at least one new country a year.

Contact Me

Phone: 315.725.9116
E-mail: iscurren@ess.ucla.edu