From Machine Learning to Wildfires: My Unconventional Path to FiSci
My journey to becoming a firefighter and founding a fire-tech company has been anything but typical. It's a story of unexpected turns, fuelled by a passion for technology and a deep-seated desire to make a meaningful impact. It all began with a fascination for the then-emerging field of artificial intelligence. I pursued a PhD in machine learning, immersing myself in algorithms and data analysis long before AI became the ubiquitous term it is today.
My first job after completing my PhD was as exciting as it sounds: using lasers to track space debris. I helped develop the software that shot powerful lasers into space to pinpoint tiny, yet potentially catastrophic, pieces of junk orbiting our planet. It was a thrilling and rewarding experience, but my career path was about to take another unexpected turn.
From there, I transitioned to NICTA, now known as Data61, a prominent research organisation in Australia. It was during my time at NICTA that I contributed to the development of intellectual property that would ultimately become the foundation for Hivery, the company I founded. Hivery was an incredible journey, spanning a decade of growth, challenges, and innovation.
It was during my tenure at Hivery that the devastating Black Summer bushfires swept across Australia in 2019-2020. Witnessing the sheer destruction and the heroic efforts of volunteer firefighters, I felt a profound sense of responsibility. I was struck by the fact that many of these brave individuals were retirees, with the average age in the 60s. The leading cause of death on the fire ground wasn't the flames or the smoke, but heart attacks. This realisation ignited a fire within me.
Driven by a desire to serve my community and protect my family, I joined the Rural Fire Service (RFS). Over the following four years firefighting has become real passion for me. I've now completed training in Advanced Firefighting, Breathing Apparatus Operation, Structural Firefighting, and in the coming weeks I commence Crew Lead Wildfire training.
As I delved deeper into the world of firefighting, I saw a unique opportunity to merge my two passions: AI and firefighting. The concept for FiSci began to take shape. We envisioned a future where AI-powered solutions could revolutionise wildfire management, from mitigation to containment, suppression, and overhaul. It was an ambitious vision, but I knew we had the potential to make a real difference.
Starting a new venture is always a nail-biting experience, but the entrepreneurial spirit that had been with me since childhood soon took hold. I yearned to create something meaningful; something that would be used and valued by others.
Today, FiSci is developing cutting-edge AI technologies to predict fire behaviour, identify high-risk areas, and empower users with the information they need to make informed decisions to protect their assets. It's a challenging but incredibly rewarding journey. I'm honoured to work alongside an equally passionate co-founder as we build a team of highly skilled and dedicated individuals to solve this problem, protecting lives, property, and the environment.
The road ahead is long, but we're committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible. We believe that AI has the power to transform how we manage wildfires, and we're excited to be at the forefront of this revolution. It's a mission that's close to my heart, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to combine my skills and experiences to make a lasting impact on the world.
