Kristy Petroff
Ask me about
- How maps/data help decide where solar farms & wind turbines get built
- A real day as a GIS Analyst working in renewable energy
- How I ended up building a career in STEM
About me
Science was never on my radar growing up. I was the drama, history, and literature kid, until a diving trip to Thailand changed everything. My instructor had this way of explaining the complex ecological relationships happening right in front of us underwater, and something clicked. I didn’t just want to see it; I wanted to understand it. So, I came home and enrolled in marine science.
Going back to university as an adult was a challenge, and shifting my own mindset was the hardest part. But once I did, I found I didn’t just cope with the subjects I’d always written off. I loved them. I excelled in ways I genuinely hadn’t expected and discovered a passion I never knew I had. Today, I use maps and spatial data to help decide where renewable energy gets built across Australia. The path was anything but straight, but I wouldn’t change a bit of it.
About my role
- Curious
- Flexible
- Innovative
- Optimistic
- Personable
I’m a GIS Analyst in the renewable energy sector, using maps and spatial data to support the planning and development of wind, solar, and pumped hydro projects across Australia.
I work across the full project lifecycle, from identifying potential new sites through to supporting construction and operations. This involves analysing spatial data to understand environmental constraints, land use, and how different elements interact across a landscape, then translating that complexity into clear visual insights that help project teams make confident, informed decisions.
What makes my role unique is the way it sits at the intersection of technology, problem solving and real-world impact. I see maps as powerful tools for understanding complex systems, and my work directly contributes to Australia’s transition to cleaner energy.
Education
- Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science (GIS / Remote Sensing major)
- Scuba Diving Certification (Open Water + Advanced level progression)
- Drone Operation Certification
Subjects
- Drama
- English
- General Mathematics (Maths A)
- Geography
- History
Awards
- 2006 Trinity College Rowing Oarswoman of the Year
- 2021 UTAS Dean's Roll of Excellence
- 2021 UTAS Spatial Sciences Institute award for academic excellence and engagement
- 2024 ACEN Values award
Hobbies
- Beach adventures
- Hiking
- Pilates
- Reading
- Travel
Pets
- -1 Dog
My career journey
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Dropped out of university
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Worked in hospitality and ran events
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Solo travelled - Butan, Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka
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Diving led me to science
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Science led me to spatial data
My typical day
My employer
