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Dr Lulu He

from Research Leader to Principal Scientist
I produce bushfire maps to support land use planning decisions.
Industry
Defence and Public Safety
Company
Queensland Fire Department (QFD)
Job Level
Mid

Ask me about

  • What my day-to-day work looks like
  • How bushfire research became my passion
  • How I became a role model of STEM

About me

  • International Experience

I experienced a catastrophic earthquake in my home country in 2008. That’s the starting point of my career focusing on disaster management and natural hazards research. In 2015, I moved to Australia to do my PhD in Disaster Management, during which I conducted fieldwork and research to investigate the disaster management following the 2010-11 Christchurch Earthquake in New Zealand, 2015 Gorkha Earthquake in Nepal, and the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake in China.

About my role

  • Analytical
  • Calm
  • Reliable
  • Trusting
  • Understanding

I’m a bushfire scientist working at the Queensland Fire Department. My job is to produce vegetation maps that help predict bushfire risk. To do this, I visit remote areas to measure trees and shrubs—looking at things like their height and canopy size. I use this data to train computer models to understand different types of vegetation. Then, using remote sensing data, I create maps that show bushfire hazards across large areas. For example, places with big, tall trees are more likely to experience more intense bushfires.

Alongside mapping, I work closely with stakeholders such as local councils and other state government agencies. I organise meetings, invite them to join fieldwork, and work with them to assess how reliable the maps are. This helps me understand what they need and ensures the maps are useful in their day-to-day work.

I also guest lecture in undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Natural Hazards Management at the University of Queensland. I love connecting with students and inspiring the next generation of STEM scientists. I enjoy writing about my research and publishing my work in peer-reviewed journals.

Education

  • PhD in Disaster Management

Subjects

  • English
  • General Mathematics (Maths A)
  • Geography
  • Specialist Mathematics (Maths C)

Awards

  • 2018 United Nations Residential Consultant Award
  • 2023 United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction Rising Star
  • 2025 Science & Technology Australia STEM Superstar Award
  • 2026 Invitation to Meet with Parliament of Australia, Canberra
  • 2025 Queensland Fire Department — Chief Officer Appreciation Award
  • 2026 Queensland Fire Department — Australia Day Achievement Award

Hobbies

  • Painting
  • Reading
  • Writing

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.
  1. Experienced an earthquake in my 20s
  2. Moved to Australia
  3. Began my PhD in Disaster Management
  4. Research into earthquakes in New Zealand, Nepal and China
  5. Working at QFD as a Principal Scientist

My typical day

My employer

At the Queensland Fire Department (QFD), we’re proud to protect and serve communities across the state - responding to emergencies, managing disasters, and leading fire prevention efforts. Formerly known as Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), QFD was established in 2024 to strengthen our state’s emergency response and disaster resilience through reform and innovation. Our people are our greatest strength, and we’re committed to creating an inclusive, respectful workplace where everyone belongs and thrives. If you’re driven by purpose and looking to grow in a career that supports Queenslanders when it matters most, QFD could be the place for you. Our values: respect, integrity, courage, loyalty and trust - guide everything we do.