Chae Byrne studied Fine Art and Archaeology at The University of Western Australia before completing a PhD in 2022. Her thesis assessed the application of international archaeobotanic methods to Australian contexts by applying these to varied Pilbara and Western Desert sites. Such analyses led to the first local paleoenvironmental records of the region and the first application of anthracology to a historical site within Australia.

Chae has over 13 years of experience working across various regions of the Northwest, in applications of archaeobotany both in research and consulting. Her interests include microscopy, ethnobotanical survey and anthracology (wood charcoal analysis), and wood anatomy of the notoriously tricky species including Acacia.

In Chae’s current Post Doctoral Project Manager role (ARC Laurette “Desert People Project”, CI Peter Veth) she enjoys providing professional support to a multidisciplinary team including collaborations with over ten Aboriginal Corporations.

Chae is also involved in the “Desert to the Sea” linkage project (CI Jo McDonald) researching the connections and histories of fire, plants and people. She continues to provide anthracological analyses for these, and other projects.

Chae has expertise in anthracology (identifying the species of archaeological wood charcoal) leading to paleoenvironmental reconstruction and providing insights into the mobility patterns and resource use of people throughout time.