Dr. Linda C. Kah, a leading expert in sedimentary geology and planetary science, continues to inspire the next generation of scientists through her teaching, research, and mentorship at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. With more than two decades of service to the university, Dr. Kah teaches undergraduate and graduate-level courses while conducting groundbreaking research on Earth’s ancient past.

Dr. Kah holds a BS and MS from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a PhD from Harvard University. Her research focuses on sedimentary rocks and the geochemical signals they preserve, helping to decode the environmental history of Earth’s early oceans and atmosphere. In addition to her terrestrial work, she plays a critical role in planetary science as a co-investigator on NASA’s Curiosity and Perseverance Mars rover missions, contributing geological analysis and long-term planning.

A fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Geological Society of America, Dr. Kah is also a member of the Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists, the American Geophysical Union, the Association of Women Geoscientists, and the National Association of Geoscience Teachers. Her research has been published in over 100 scientific studies and cited more than 16,000 times. Her mentorship has guided many graduate students into successful academic careers.

Dr. Kah remains deeply committed to public service, supporting organizations such as Planned Parenthood and Doctors Without Borders. She shares her life with her husband, Colin Sumrall, and their son, Douglas.

Looking ahead, Dr. Kah plans to expand her research on ancient marine carbonate rocks and apply emerging technologies to further innovation in the geosciences, while continuing to foster collaborative learning and mentorship within the academic community.