There is no question that heatwaves and extreme heat events are increasing in frequency, intensity and duration. Biologically, humans are remarkably able to defend against increasing levels of heat stress through thermoregulatory and behavioural responses. However, these responses can be modified by factors such as age, underlying disease and a lack of access to necessary resources. In this lecture, we’ll take a look at how we define vulnerability to heatwaves, what individual responses to extreme heat look like, and how we can implement adaptive measures, especially for those most vulnerable.

About the speaker

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Dr Nicole Vargas

I completed my PhD in 2016 at Charles Sturt University, investigating the association between the release of IL-6 and fatiguing behaviours during self-paced exercise in different environmental conditions. I then transitioned to an industry-funded Post Doctoral position at the Unviersity at Buffalo (NY, USA), working with lululemon athletica inc to identify physiological signals that contribute to thermoregulatory behaviour in healthy adults. Following the completion of this project, I commenced a Post Doctoral position at the University of Sydney where I was project-lead for multiple category 1 funded projects (MS Research Australia, NHMRC, NIH), with a focus on understanding autonomic responses to heat stress. Our multi-site internationally collaborative NHMRC project specifically aimed to identify cost-effective and sustainable cooling strategies to mitigate the risk of heat illness during extreme heat events for the most vulnerable - especially older adults and those with cardiovascular disease.

In joining ANU, I have a keen interest to continue investigating mechanisms contributing to vulnerability to extreme heat from a physiological, behavioural, motivational, socioeconomic and cultural perspective. The intersection of these different disciplines is invaluable in framing and providing protection to the public during extreme heat events.

I maintain collaborative networks as a Research Affiliate with the University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health (FMH), and as a member of the Steering Committee and EMCR Committee of the Heat and Health Research Incubator at the University of Sydney. I am also an ANU chosen mentee for the Asia Pacific Women in Leadership Program for 2022-2023.