Hannah Liang, a Master of Information Technology student at UWA, recently led the development of an app to support the development of improved bushfire prediction models during her McCusker Centre for Citizenship internship with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).
“I worked on a new app that makes data collection easier to access. An abundance of data greatly assists in building bushfire prediction models, enabling researchers to make more precise predictions,” Hannah said.
The app will be used by regional and field staff to collect data on mallee heath vegetation relevant to bush fire prediction.
Hannah attends a prescribed burn in the Perth hills with DBCA staff during her internship.
“The app Hannah created will be a great way for our department to begin to modernise our data collection methods,” said Vicky Reynen, A/Regional Fire Services Coordinator with DBCA’s Parks and Wildlife Service, and Hannah’s internship supervisor.
“Fire and emergency management is a large and complex area, and it can take some time for new employees to understand the intricacies of the business,
“Hannah was also able to grasp the concepts of our wider business and apply them to her project,” Ms Reynen said.
Her work on the project impressed staff at the DBCA, so much so that she was offered a paid role in the future, to continue work related to the internship project.
“My internship has changed my understanding of the complexity and importance of fire management,” Hannah said.
“Seeing how DBCA operates to protect the environment firsthand has given me a deeper appreciation for the work done in this field,
“These insights have sparked a stronger interest in environmental conservation for me, potentially shaping my future career path,” she said.
“The McCusker Centre for Citizenship internship experience is not just a steppingstone to professional development, it also gives us a sense of citizenship responsibility,
“It encourages students to apply their academic knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios, helping them contribute meaningfully to the community.”