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How an ANU scholar is rethinking how we fight bushfires
For many Australians, bushfires and eucalypt trees are striking reminders of our country’s raw natural beauty and their inherent, devastating challenges. For Riley Guyatt, a 2020 Tuckwell Scholar and recent graduate of the Australian National University (ANU), these elements have been at the centre of her academic journey.
With a Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability (Honours), Riley has dedicated her studies to understanding the intricate relationships between Australia’s iconic environment and our frequent fire seasons.
Growing up in Brisbane, Riley was fascinated by the natural world. But it wasn’t until she moved to Canberra, attracted by the city’s unique combination of urban life and sprawling nature, that her love for the environment found a clear path.
"The best thing about moving to Canberra has been the incredible parks and reserves," Riley shares. "As an environmental science student, living in the ‘bush capital’ has been an amazing experience."
What is eucalypt litter and what role does it play in bushfires?
Riley’s Honours project took on a profoundly relevant topic for an Australian environmental scientist: bushfires. Her research focused on improving our understanding of bushfire behaviour by studying eucalypt litter: the dry, fallen leaves and bark from eucalyptus trees that are highly flammable in fires.
Australia’s eucalypt species, which dominate much of the country’s landscape, have evolved to thrive in fire-prone environments, and their litter plays a significant role in fuelling bushfires. “Bushfire management is something that affects all Australians,” Riley says. Her work on eucalypt litter aimed to contribute to safer, more effective fire management strategies by shedding light on how these iconic trees interact with fire.
Riley’s research not only added to our scientific understanding but also emphasised the importance of studying Australian native species in depth. Her commitment to this research earned her the 2023 Charles D Jubb Prize for Environmental Research, recognising her as the most outstanding Honours graduate at the Fenner School of Environment and Society for that calendar year.
Challenging the status quo and creating innovative change is what it’s all about for Riley.
Saving the koalas, one leaf at a time
Riley’s connection to eucalyptus trees extended beyond bushfires. During her summer internship at the ANU Research School of Biology, she spent months assisting with koala research. However, the project wasn’t as much about the koalas themselves as it was about their food source—eucalyptus trees.
“I spent my time trekking around research sites, taking surveys of trees and collecting leaves,” Riley recalls. Her research focused on analysing the nutritional composition of different eucalyptus species, particularly their suitability for koalas. One of the trees she studied, Eucalyptus mannifera, became a recurring theme in her work, both in the lab and the field.
"Discovering just how broad the scope of research is for just one tree species opened my eyes to the true breadth of research that can be done on the thousands of species we are surrounded with.”
Koalas eat up to 1kg of eucalyptus leaves a day, which always makes them ready for a nap.
A leader in the university community
As a Tuckwell Scholar, Riley developed skills in event organisation, mental health first aid and public speaking, which shaped her leadership roles at ANU. Volunteering was significant in her experience, from assisting with walking groups at the Australian National Botanic Gardens to participating in the Canberra Writers’ Festival.
Her advice to future students? “Take advantage of every opportunity,” she says. Riley emphasises the importance of balancing study, social life and extracurricular commitments to maximise the university experience.
Looking forward
As Riley looks to the future as a Tuckwell graduate, her experiences at ANU, particularly her research on bushfires and koalas, have laid the groundwork for her career in environmental science. From her contributions to campus life to her impactful research, Riley has become an inspiration for future ANU students.
Remember the name Riley Guyatt as she paves the way in bushfire and environmental research as an ANU graduate.
What innovative environmental research waits for you at ANU? Find out with a Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability (Honours).
