Holly East

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My research interests are focused on the intersections between geomorphology and ecology in coral reef environments. For my PhD, I have been working within Prof. Chris Perry’s group on a NERC-funded project to examine the development and evolution of coral reef rim islands within Huvadhu Atoll, Maldives. As a function of their low elevations (typically <5 m above MSL), dependence upon locally generated sediment, and largely unconsolidated structure, reef islands are regarded among the most vulnerable environments to sea-level change.  Delineating island responses to past changes in sea-level provides a crucial analogue for assessing future island morphological stability and resilience. The research aims are threefold: (1) to examine the development and evolution of rim islands on Huvadhu Atoll, Maldives; (2) to assess the degree of reef-island connectivity; and (3) to model reef island resilience to environmental change. 

Prior to this, at the University of Cambridge, I completed a MPhil in 'Environmental Science: GIS and Remote Sensing' (2012) and a BA in Geography (2011).