HANNAH HENRY
Current Research
Barrier islands are dynamic, ever-changing landscapes that are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic region. My PhD research at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill focuses on understanding and enhancing climate resilience on these islands through predictive modeling and collaborative research approaches. By integrating social, ecological, and physical sciences, I aim to develop adaptive coastal management strategies that benefit both wildlife and coastal communities. My research explores climate adaptation on barrier islands such as Hatteras in North Carolina and the Virginia Coastal Reserve Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) site.
This interdisciplinary work is supported by the mentorship of Dr. Laura Moore at UNC and funded through the National Science Foundation’s LTER program. In recognition of my efforts, I have been awarded the Ronald F. Labisky Graduate Fellowship in Wildlife Policy in 2024.
Adapting Barrier Islands to Climate Change
How can coastal communities on barrier islands adapt to the accelerating impacts of climate change?
Using the CoAStal Community-lAnDscape Evolution (CASCADE) model, my research examines the complex interplay between natural coastal processes and human adaptation strategies on barrier islands, focusing on Hatteras Island in North Carolina. CASCADE integrates barrier evolution models, such as barrier3d and the BarrierR Inlet Environment (BRIE), to simulate impacts from sea-level rise and storm events on shoreface evolution and dune dynamics. It also incorporates human responses, like beach nourishment, roadway relocation, and dune construction, to assess pathways that could mitigate erosion and maintain habitability.
​
This project is in its early stages, with future work expected to provide insights into how barrier island management can enhance resilience against climate-driven changes while balancing community needs.​
Understanding Barrier Island Dynamics and Shorebird Habitat Selection
How do changes in barrier island landscapes influence habitat selection for American Oystercatchers?
For my second chapter, I am leading a research project that investigates how changes in barrier island geomorphology influence the habitat selection of American Oystercatchers, a key umbrella species for shorebird conservation. By combining geomorphic analysis with habitat modeling, I explore how features such as overwash zones and dune formations shape the availability and quality of critical nesting habitats. This work focuses on the dynamic Virginia coastline, where natural processes like overwash and erosion continually reshape wildlife habitats.
​
In collaboration with experts in geomorphology and ecology, and leveraging advanced technologies such as LiDAR and machine learning, we are uncovering how physical landscape features connect to ecological patterns. Our research integrates data on dune structures, elevation thresholds, and Oystercatcher nesting success to develop predictive models that guide coastal management. These models provide actionable insights to help managers anticipate and adapt to habitat changes driven by climate change and coastal processes, contributing to the sustainable conservation of barrier island ecosystems.