Wil Laura was born in the Peruvian rainforest, where he was profoundly influenced by the surrounding biodiversity. This environment sparked him a deep interest in the physical processes that govern nature, leading him to pursue a degree in meteorological sciences. During his undergraduate studies at the Universidad Nacional La Molina in Peru, he discovered a passion for research, which was further nurtured through his work in the Climate Department of the National Service of Meteorology and Hydrology of Peru. For over three years, he participated in projects on climate extremes and their impacts, analysing the characteristics and health effects of heatwaves, including how climatic conditions influence the epidemiology sector. Building on this experience, he joined an international research group to investigate the connections between heatwaves, fires, and their climate projections. This collaborative effort broadened his perspective and solidified his commitment to climate research.

Wil pursued a M.Sc in Environment and Climate Change at the University of Liverpool in England. There, he expanded his research to include the role of synoptic patterns in wildfires, focusing on the Black Summer event in Southeast Australia. This work further underscored the importance of understanding the interaction of weather and climate events (compound events) and their implications.

Currently, he is a PhD student in the Fenner School of Environment and Society at the Australian National University. His research focuses on analysing compound events of heatwaves and wildfires, and their health impacts. He aims to unravel the physical processes driving these interactions, identify the health impacts of such compound events, and assess changes in their projections by the end of the century.

Outside of his academic pursuits, he enjoys walking in the forest, swimming, and is currently enjoying the process of learning to play the piano.