William McNeice
Candidature
PhD Candidate
Thesis Title
Biogeography of Plant Traits that Govern Bushfire Risk and Drought Vulnerability
Research project
A crucial component of large wildfires is the moisture content of live fuel. Live fuel moisture content varies according to water availability, climate conditions and plant hydraulic traits – measurable differences in the ways that plants use water and respond to dry conditions. In my research project I aim to explain how hydraulic traits influence the flammability of trees and shrubs through changes in live fuel moisture content.
Research Supervisors
Dr Rachael Nolan, A/Prof Matthias Boer, Dr Anne Griebel