Sílvia Mourão she/her

My research focuses on developing digital twin tools for coastal monitoring with a strong emphasis on real-world impact. I aim for my work to inform both policymakers and communities, ensuring that digital twins move beyond academic exercises to actively influence coastal management decisions. Creating these tools involves combining historical data, AI, and real-time observations to produce accurate models of coastline evolution. I am particularly interested in dynamic coastlines like the west coast of Scotland and how they respond to storm events. My work aligns with the DiveIn CDT’s mission by integrating AI, earth sciences, and engineering, with potential economic, policy, and social impacts.

Before starting my PhD, I worked as a GIS Analyst and Research Assistant on three large-scale projects related to coastal erosion, flooding risk, and climate change adaptation in Portugal. I contributed to developing sea-level rise vulnerability indices, modelled flood and erosion risks, and created a coastal vulnerability index under sea-level rise scenarios for mainland Portugal and the Alentejo Coast. These experiences enhanced my technical skills and deepened my understanding of coastal risk and adaptation.

I believe diversity and inclusion are essential for fostering innovation and support within academia. Having faced challenges as a woman in STEM, I am committed to promoting a more inclusive environment where underrepresented voices are valued. While I am still exploring how best to mentor and support others, I am eager to contribute to peer mentoring and help cultivate a welcoming, interdisciplinary community within DiveIn.

Outside of my PhD, I enjoy spending time with my partner and gaming. I’m a big cat enthusiast (my social media feeds are full of cat posts!) and deeply miss my family’s two cats back in Portugal. I was involved in cat rescue work there, including nursing a kitten back to health, and I hope to do more animal rescue in the future.