Renée is a Masters student with the FLARE Wildfire Research Group at the University of Melbourne. Her research aims to improve fire management for fire sensitive and culturally significant plants, using fire response groups. Through collaboration with Western and First Nations scientists, her project includes: empirical testing of the trait basis and species composition of flora fire response groups; consideration of First Nations objectives and perspectives of fire management for plant species; and the development of a framework to support translation of scientific knowledge into practical fire management strategies.

Ultimately, her work aims to support fire management policies for plants that are culturally and scientifically informed, effective, and sustainable.

With a strong field botany background, Renée has over 20 years’ experience in improving and applying science to inform land management for conservation outcomes. Renée is also a scientist in the NSW DCCEEW Applied Bushfire Science Program.