Mikala Hammer
Mikala Hammer
PhD Student - CV (July 2026)
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I am a graduate student working toward my PhD in the Earth and Environmental Science department. I graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, in 2023 with a background in physics and mathematics. During my time as an undergraduate, I explored many topics in science through REUs, including an REU in geophysics at my home college and an REU in atmospheric science at Penn State. The combination of my background and REU experiences led to an interest in geophysics and the magnetic properties of materials. My current research focuses on the formational history of manganese deposits in the United States and understanding their geophysical expressions. Since the fall of 2024 I have participated in the NSF Research Traineeship: Circularity Impact Program at the University of Minnesota, broadening my research to including an interdisciplinary approach to manganese mining and usage focused on supporting a circular economy.
Beyond research, I am a committee member of the Earth Student Research Symposium - an annual student-run symposium that showcases research from departments focused on broad environmental topics. I also enjoy being a TA for the introductory geology course Earth and its Environments. Outside of academics, much of my time revolves around music. I enjoy writing music, singing, playing the piano, and listening to live music. I also love reading, biking, thrifting, traveling, and hanging out with my roommate's adorable cat, Jasper.
Publications & Presentations
Publications & Presentations
Publications
Halmar, N., Hammer, M., Netland, H., Perkins, N., Streyle, T., Thomasson, C. & Vanhoever, L. (2023). Characterization of iron oxide samples using Mössbauer spectroscopy and hysteresis loops. Journal of Undergraduate Research in Physics and Astronomy, 33, doi:10.1063/10.0022474.
Presentations
Hammer, M., Feinberg J.M., Hirsch, A., Steiner, A., Morgan, L., Mercer, C. (2026). Manganese Resources and Geophysical Analysis of the Emily District, Cuyuna Range, MN. Annual Circularity NRT Symposium, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN.
Hammer, M., Feinberg, J.M., Tikku, A.A., Wang, C., Madsen, L., & Quist, P. (2025). Mineral Magnetism of United States Fe-Mn Ore Deposits: Impact on Aeromagnetic Anomaly Expression. Annual Circularity NRT Symposium, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN.
Hammer, M., Feinberg, J.M., Tikku, A.A., Wang, C., Madsen, L., & Quist, P. (2024). Mineral Magnetism of the Aroostook County, Maine Northern Sub-District Fe-Mn Ore Deposits: Impact on Aeromagnetic Anomaly Expression. 2024 Annual Meeting of the American Geophysical Union, Washington, D.C.
Service & Outreach
Service & Outreach
UMN ESCI Earth Student Research Symposium Committee (2023-2026)
Incoming Graduate Student Mentor - Fall 2024 - Present
Awards & Scholarships
Awards & Scholarships
GSA Graduate Student Research Grant Recipient - Summer 2026, 40Ar/39Ar dating of cryptomelane to constrain the timing of manganese enrichment in
the Emily Deposit, Cuyuna Range, Minnesota.
Warren E. Fisher Memorial Fellowship Recipient - Summer 2026
University of Minnesota Graduate School Research Travel Award - Summer 2026, 40Ar/39Ar dating of cryptomelane to constrain the timing of manganese enrichment in
the Emily Deposit, Cuyuna Range, Minnesota.
GSA Graduate Student Research Grant, 2026
AGeS-Grad Fellowship, 2024-25
NSF Research Traineeship: Circularity Impact Program - Fall 2024 - Spring 2026
Rossing Fund for Physics Education Endowment Scholarship (undergraduate) - April 2022
Teaching & Mentorship
Teaching & Mentorship
Teaching Assistant, ESCI 1001 Earth and Its Environment
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