Amy Smart is a PhD student at the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE), focusing on the physiological responses of Gondwana rainforest trees in New South Wales to drought and fire. Her research plays a critical role in understanding how these ancient ecosystems are impacted by extreme environmental conditions, particularly following the devastating Black Summer bushfires.

By establishing essential baseline data, Amy's work aims to inform future drought and fire management strategies. Additionally, her project explores long-term recovery patterns and mortality rates, offering key insights into the resilience and vulnerabilities of these unique forests.