Q: What “day to day” type activities that you do?
The first part of my PhD project involves writing a systematic review of the effects of invasive plant species on fuels, flammability and fire regimes. This involves many hours in front of the computer searching for relevant literature, collecting and collating data, analysing data and then writing the systematic review. In the coming years I will be undertaking field work to measure the fuel load and structure of invaded landscapes. In the final year of my PhD I will be using fuel models developed from my field work to run fire behaviour simulations to understand how invasive plant species influence bushfire risk.
Q: What pathway did you take to get into the research?
I followed a bit of an unconventional path to get into research. My background is in bushland management. For ten years I worked for government agencies and private contractors undertaking bushland restoration, weed management and fire management activities in the field. Although I enjoyed working outdoors, I had always wanted to study botany. I returned to university in my thirties and completed a Bachelor of Science in Plant Science. During that time I discovered that I enjoyed research and I became particularly interested in fire behaviour and fire ecology. I continued on to complete a Master of Environment and then began my PhD in 2024.
Q: What’s something you’re proud of from your work?
I am currently working on turning my masters research project thesis into a manuscript to be published. My project focussed on investigating the flammability of the invasive weed, blackberry (Rubus fruticosis agg.). There is currently very limited species-specific information on the flammability of invasive woody weeds. I believe publishing my findings will contribute to a global knowledge base to assist researchers investigating fire behaviour and fire risk in invaded landscapes.
Q: How will your work impact real world management decisions?
My research will provide information on the flammability of weed species and how weed invasions impact the fuel load, fuel structure and overall flammability of invaded landscapes. This information is integral to the development of targeted and strategic weed management and bushfire risk management plans. It is important that these management plans are accurate because land managers use them to determine when and where to carry out on-ground invasive weed control and bushfire risk mitigation activities.
Q: What’s the most interesting thing that you have done during your masters?
During my masters research project I ran sixty blackberry burning experiments in the fire laboratory at the University of Melbourne’s Creswick Campus. Not only was working with fire interesting but I also got to use specialised equipment and software to analyse the footage of the experiments. Seeing the combustion process through a normal high-definition camera as well as through an infrared (FLIR) thermal camera was also very interesting. It also provided valuable experience as I may need to run similar experiments throughout my PhD.
Q: What is one thing to look for in a supervisor?
Someone who is passionate about their research and who is excited to see your project develop and progress. I think it is also imperative to find a supervisor who prioritises your health and wellbeing as just as important as your academic studies and research.
