Robert Sawyer Email and Phone Number

Bushfires have had a major impact on my life, being an active firefighter though my teens reaching the rank of Deputy Captain at age 18. I was severely disabled by injuries received in a fire when aged 20, ending the active firefighting role. Nevertheless, I am energized by the investigation of the complex relationship of Bushfires to the natural world and our communities. Fire regime influences on the soil chemistry has links to carbon cycling but may also influence the flammability of the vegetation growing on the soil or in changed carbon dioxide levels. Questions around these topics were my driving force in my PhD and associated research over recent years.I relish the challenges of investigating complex relationships in nature and human society. This is reflected in my various educational pursuits and my professional roles. I enjoy working across disciplines. My work united ecological skill and understanding, with the technical demands of meeting the needs of people in the built environment.I have a strong focus on informing policy, management decisions and encouraging others to learn by exploring their interests. I have enjoyed science week giving successful public engagements talks and activities at the Illawarra Flame Festival, Wollongong, ABC Illawarra radio interview and at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Living Laboratory Festival. Research is not of use if it is not communicated.