Rachael completed her CRC PhD at the University of NSW in 2017. She is now a Research Associate at the University of Adelaide. Rachael's PhD study improved the knowledge of wind characteristics over complex terrain, improving bushfire modeling. Through statistical analysis, a characterisation of winds at different points in the landscape was developed for ambient wind conditions. This analysis was extended across complex terrain methods. The application of these statistical analyses was used to evaluate the spectrum of wind prediction models used for bushfire modeling over rugged landscapes. The probabilistic approach will lend itself to scenario-based analysis of bushfire modelling, developed alongside fire managers.. 

Watch Rachael explain her research as part of UNSW's Three Minute Thesis competition.