Celeste is a Collaborative Research Fellow who is an internationally recognised researcher and leader in her field of impact focused research.  She is the Sub-discipline and Co-lead of the Systemic Risk, Disaster and Resilience Group, in the Institute of Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities. She is also a Co-convener of the Risk Disaster and Resilience Network an across university network.  Her focus is transdisciplinary research using systems-based approaches which span theory, policy and practice. She has deep expertise and experience in producing high-impact research which provides tangible solutions to real world issues. Since joining the university in 2012 she has led multiple collaborative projects with local, national and international partners across industry, government, non-government organisations and the community.

Her 'Working from the inside out' methodology developed in 2005 is the basis of her work. This collaborative process integrates new knowledge into existing systems through systemic assessments, communication, capability building and strength-based approaches.  Over the last 20 years it has been applied to multiple research and practice areas for government, communities and industry.  Her award-winning work is used globally in both policy and practice and have been featured in state and national policy.  She was a Contributing Author to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group II Fifth Assessment Report Chapter – Foundations of Decision Making.

Celeste's systems-centred work has primarily focused on climate change adaptation and natural hazards impacts and risk management  encompassing areas such as diversity and inclusion, the future workforce, community and organisational skills and capability and resilience building. She has a particular interest in the management and practical application of social and systemic risk and risk communication.

Celeste has also worked in numerous public and private sector roles including a Senior Policy Role at the Department of Fire and Emergency (WA), Executive Officer for the Western Alliance of Greenhouse Action, Quality Officer at BAE Systems and a Stakeholder Coordinator for the Victorian Centre for Climate Change Adaptation Research. She also has extensive experience as a producer and practitioner in the arts.