Joshua Stainlay
I like the people and the support from UTS Higher Degree Research staff within the faculty.
What did you study prior to this degree?
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology
What degree are you currently studying/pursuing?
Master of Science (Research)
Commencement year of your research degree?
2016
What year are you currently in before you graduate?
Second
Who is your supervisor?
Brad Murray
Your research project title
Creating Green Firebreaks at Bushfire Interfaces in the Sydney Basin
Please describe your research project
A: Bushfires are one of the deadliest and most damaging natural occurrences in Australia. My project aims to reduce the amount of damage and fatalities caused by bushfires without changing the landscape or the aesthetic appeal of peoples' homes.
What is the aim of your project?
My research aims to discover which garden plants have low flammability, in order to change what people will plant in their gardens at bushfire interfaces. This will create green firebreaks between wild bushland and houses, especially in the suburbs surrounding Australia's major cities. By planting these plants in your garden, your garden will be non-flammable or fire retardant, and not propagate fire from the bush to your home.
Why did you choose to pursue a research degree as opposed to going into the work force? Why this area of research?
The reason I chose to do a research degree was because I wanted to be able to call some research my own before working on a project for somebody else. This is the perfect way to achieve that. I chose this area as I have grown up in a bushfire prone area, and after meeting my supervisor in my undergraduate degree (who was already in this area), I decided that it was what I was interested in.
What is your daily activity?
I am currently working in the UTS greenhouses taking care of around 40 plants. I also research on my computer as well as weekly meetings with my supervisor. I still have time to train and play AFL outside of university and work one day a week.
What attracted you to research at UTS Science?
The brand new facilities in building 7 were opened just as I was due to begin my research degree, which definitely swayed my decision to stay at UTS after completing my undergraduate degree. I also like the people and the support from UTS Higher Degree Research staff within the faculty.
What are your plans to the future?
I plan to work in the science field, hopefully in botany (especially Australian plants) or in flammability science.
