Krystal Randall

Dr. Krystal Randall is a Research Fellow at the University of Wollongong's School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences (SEALS), specializing in Antarctic terrestrial ecosystems. Her work integrates spatial biology, microclimate modeling, and field monitoring to study plant-climate interactions at ultra-fine scales.

Her research focuses on climate change impacts in Antarctic ecosystems, particularly how extreme events affect moss communities. She develops novel technologies including drone-based remote sensing systems, MossCam, and smart sensors for remote biological monitoring. Her fieldwork spans Australia's alpine regions and multiple Antarctic locations, collecting critical data on physical-biological interactions in polar environments.

Key research trends from her publications include the application of drone hyperspectral imaging and AI for Antarctic vegetation monitoring, microclimate modeling at unprecedented scales, and physiological studies of moss survival in extreme conditions. Her work bridges spatial biology, climate science, and technology development.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Antarctic Science Foundation Ambassador (2023)

She coordinates courses including BIOL241 (Biodiversity of Terrestrial Organisms) and BIOL362 (Ecophysiology), and supervises PhD research on Antarctic moss responses to extreme climate events. Her funded projects include the ECO-ANTARCTICA observing system and internal grants for technology development. Randall leads field campaigns developing new monitoring methodologies while contributing to global datasets like SoilTemp.