Issy Finlay

Intermittently flowing rivers are important sources of mineral dust in dryland environments. Fine sediment is supplied during high–magnitude low–frequency flood events, and is available to be transported by the wind once the river dries up. However, the link between fluvial and aeolian activity is not well constrained as flooding and drying have often been studied as separate process regimes. We therefore lack understanding of how predictably aeolian activity responds to these infrequent floods, which this project aims to contribute to using flood records, remote sensing and climate reanalysis.  

Before starting my PhD I studied BSc Geography and MSc Environmental Monitoring, Research and Management at Loughborough University. I was fortunate enough to go to Namibia on a Drylands field course which enhanced my passion for desert geomorphology and inspired me to undertake this PhD project.  

I really enjoyed opportunities to undertake independent research throughout my courses, so the opportunity to work on a larger project and fill research gaps really excited me. During my master’s I was able to attend several academic conferences and collaborate with other academics to publish my dissertation project, and it is this opportunity to network with others in my field and produce more research which also really drew me to a PhD. 

The access to a wide range of training opportunities to develop technical and non-technical skills which are useful for the PhD and beyond really drew me to a CENTA studentship. Having a cohort of other PhD students from different universities is also something I really value.   

I hope this PhD will equip me with the skills and expertise to pursue a career in environmental research and open new doors to opportunities such as post-docs.