Kate Potter Leary
Kate Potter Leary is the Water Education Program Manager at the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, where she leads educational programs aimed at connecting state decision-makers, tribal leaders, and other public officials with a deeper understanding of water resources. She designs and manages field-based workshops and river trips that translate scientific research into actionable insights, helping to inform water policy and stewardship across New Mexico. With a career spanning over a decade in water science, Kate began in academia as an assistant professor of hydrology at New Mexico Tech before transitioning to the Bureau of Geology to broaden the societal impact of her work. Her research focuses on rivers, river processes, and groundwater, and she is passionate about turning complex scientific knowledge into engaging educational experiences that support evidence-based policy and resource management. Kate earned her PhD in Geology with a focus on fluvial geomorphology from Arizona State University, completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and holds a BA in Geology and Religion from Whitman College. She is an active member of the American Geophysical Union, the Geological Society of America, and the New Mexico Geological Society, reflecting her commitment to both scientific excellence and community engagement.
• Arizona State University- Ph.D.
• Whitman College- B.A.
• University of California
• Alpha Phi Sorority
• American Geophysical Union
• Geological Society of America
• New Mexico Geological Society
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my deep passion for water and rivers—studying how they shape landscapes and communities has guided every step of my career, from my geology degree and PhD in fluvial geomorphology to my postdoc, academic work, and now leading the Water Education Program at the New Mexico Bureau of Geology.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to trust my gut—listen to it, and don’t stay in situations that don’t feel right.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are creativity, curiosity, and family—whether I’m crocheting, reading, spending time with my daughter, or enjoying adventures on the river.