An absolutely massive congratulations goes out to Alumni Dr Katrina Wruck, who has been names the 2025 Young Australian of the Year! Katrina graduated in 2011 as a high achieving student, with her teachers quoted mentioning “we knew she was always destined for greatness.”
Dr Katrina Wruck’s research is giving back to remote communities. Based on her research, Katrina has set up a profit-for-purpose business, Nguki Kula Green Labs, which is poised to transform the consumer goods sector by harnessing the power of green chemistry, while inspiring others to step into STEM.
australianoftheyear.org.au
Katrina’s method of converting mining by-products to zeolite LTA – which can remove contaminants from water that cause hardness – will be commercialised. Her postdoctoral research examines how to break down dangerous ‘forever chemicals’ into benign ones. Altogether, Katrina’s work is a possible foundation for reducing global contamination.
A proud Mabuigilaig and Goemulgal woman who has long advocated for First Nations knowledge, Katrina also participates in community engagement programs. She is frequently told by the students she speaks to that she’s the first Indigenous scientist they’ve met. Her work has been recognised with several awards and she is already well known in her field
To learn more about Dr Wruck and her incredible achievements, visit the link’s below!
https://www.qut.edu.au/news?id=198650
https://nit.com.au/25-01-2025/15911/dr-katrina-wruck-named-2025-young-australian-of-the-year
