Chae Byrne

Dr. Chae Byrne is a Research Associate at the School of Social Sciences, Archaeology, The University of Western Australia. She currently serves as a Post Doctoral Project Manager for the ARC Laureate 'Desert People Project' (CI Peter Veth) and contributes to the 'Desert to the Sea' linkage project (CI Jo McDonald). Her work involves collaborations with over ten Aboriginal Corporations.

• Doctor of Philosophy (2022), The University of Western Australia
• Bachelor's in Fine Art and Archaeology, The University of Western Australia

Chae specializes in anthracology (wood charcoal analysis), focusing on paleoenvironmental reconstruction and resource use by Indigenous communities. Her research bridges archaeobotany, wood anatomy, and UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly through the lens of Acacia species. She has over 13 years of experience in the Australian Northwest, applying international archaeobotanic methods to local contexts.

Her publications highlight the application of anthracology to colonial-era sites (e.g., Bandicoot Bay), desert archaeology (Kamatukul), and Holocene coastal plain environments. Key themes include migration patterns, habitat management, and deep-time ecological relationships.

• Berndt Research Foundation Grant (2023-2024): A$9,800.00 for preserving Indigenous Ecological Knowledge
• Berndt Research Foundation Project (2024-2025) with A. Wesley

Chae's work with multidisciplinary teams and Aboriginal Corporations emphasizes community engagement and practical applications of archaeological science to contemporary environmental challenges.