I am a physical Geographer and the head of the department at the Geography and Environmental Studies department, the University of Haifa, Israel. I obtained my PhD from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, in the area of fluvial geomorphology and sediment transport.  In recent years my research focuses on the role of disturbances in Mediterranean ecosystems and specifically on understanding the impact of wildfires on soil-vegetation dynamics, hydrological and erosional processes. Methodologically, I use field and laboratory experiments to explore the role of fire on vegetation regeneration,  soil and ash properties.

I am currently engaged in several European and local projects addressing fire (including post-fire management) effects on the ecosystem, urban hydrology and ecosystem services. I am the author of more than 70 scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters and conference proceedings. I serve as associated editor in "Land Degradation and Development"  and "Catena" and am a member of COMLAND steering committee, the Commission on Land Degradation & Desertification - International Geographic Union.