Georgie Mountford
The Open University
Project
Reconstructing 30 million years of past climate change
Supervisors
- Prof Neil Edwards
- Dr Phil Holden
- Dr Luke Mander
PhD Summary
My PhD project involves the creation of climate simulations, to reconstruct global climate over millions of years. Modelled species evolution will be overlaid onto these reconstructions to explore potential impacts of long-term climatic variability on biodiversity patterns.
Previous activity
My background is in biology, having completed a Biology MSci degree at the University of Nottingham in 2024. My undergrad studies gave me the opportunity to learn about ecology and nature conservation, and these learning experiences have driven my interest in exploring the impacts that climate change can have on biodiversity patterns.
Why did you choose doctoral research?
After completing my undergrad degree, I wanted to have a go at a different type of academic challenge, and doctoral research fitted the bill perfectly. Developing research skills and being able to contribute to current scientific knowledge are such great opportunities provided by doctoral research – I am really excited to see where this journey takes me!
Why did you choose CENTA?
CENTA provides a wide range of opportunities for training and work placements which I hope will enable me to learn new skills throughout my PhD. Being part of the network of CENTA researchers at universities across the Midlands is also a valuable opportunity for meeting others with similar (or quite different!) research interests.
Future plans
Throughout my PhD, I will be developing expertise in climate and biodiversity modelling. I hope that this will enable me to become an independent researcher with the skills needed for many career possibilities. As for future plans, your guess is as good as mine… I would love to be involved in conservation research, but I am excited to see what new areas of interest my PhD will open up for me – watch this space!