This helps forest managers plan ahead, allocate resources and prepare for potential fires before they happen.
How I Use Math in My Work
Math is crucial for the work that we do as researchers. One example of a way I use math in my daily work is by calculating a quantity called NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index). NDVI is a measure that helps us determine how healthy vegetation is by using satellite images. We calculate NDVI using this formula:
NDVI = (NIR - RED) / (NIR + RED)
where NIR (Near-Infrared Light) is the amount of infrared light plants reflect (healthy plants reflect a lot!) and RED is the amount of red light plants absorb (healthy plants absorb a lot for photosynthesis!). NDVI helps us see which areas might be at risk for fires because of dry or dead vegetation.
Wrapping Up the Day
Once I reach a good stopping point in my work, I pack up my bag and head back to my apartment. To unwind, I change into comfortable athletic clothes and go for a quick hike up Cerro San Cristóbal! This is a famous hill in the middle of Santiago with beautiful views of the city. At the top, I grab a refreshing mote con huesillo—a traditional Chilean drink made with peach juice and wheat grains—before heading home for the night.
And that’s a day in my life as a wildfire researcher!
