Donny R. Wahyudi

Land surface dynamics PhD candidate at the University of Edinburgh

I’m a geoscientist passionate about understanding Earth’s dynamic systems — from mountain building and landscape evolution to fault deformation and sediment transport. My current PhD research at the University of Edinburgh, supported by the British Geological Survey and Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education, focuses on active tectonics along the Palu-Koro and Matano Faults in Indonesia. I use a multi-timescale approach combining InSAR, cosmogenic nuclide dating (¹⁰Be), and geomorphic analysis to study crustal deformation and erosion.

Prior to this, I conducted research in the Frontal Himalayas (Churia Range, Nepal), where I investigated terrace development, sediment dispersal, and the westward propagation of active thrusts. This work integrated terrace mapping, optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating, and topographic metrics to reconstruct late Quaternary deformation patterns and landscape evolution.

I use an integrated approach that combines:

• Remote sensing (InSAR, optical imagery)
• Geochronology (¹⁰Be exposure dating, Optically Stimulated Luminescence)
• Topographic and geomorphic analysis (river and ridgetop profiles)
• GIS and spatial modelling

Beyond my research, I’m motivated by the real-world applications of geoscience - from seismic hazard assessment to sustainable land use. I’m always open to collaboration, outreach, and interdisciplinary work that connects science with society.

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