Katharine is a human geographer with a research background in environmental change and community development. She has a special interest in participatory action research as a means for understanding and enhancing the care and repair of our communities and landscapes. She has a strong commitment to ensuring research is conducted in partnership with key stakeholders and impacts on policy and practice.

In May 2015 Katharine was awarded the Australian Academy of Science Prize for Innovation, Research and Education (ASPIRE). The award recognised her contributions in the area of Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for an Australian scientist. Katharine is a Principal Project Officer in the Science and Insights division at NSW DCCEEW where she works with the Fire and Cultural Science team to deliver the Applied Bushfire Science Program and the NSW BNHRC.