Dr Katrina Wruck

Biography

Summary

Dr Katrina Wruck develops innovative, green solutions for industrial and environmental challenges, focusing on emerging contaminants and sustainable practices.

Research

Dr Wruck's research employs a multidisciplinary methodology that integrates materials science, process engineering, and chemistry. Her work utilizes advanced materials characterization techniques, including thermal in situ XRD and TGA-SIFT-MS, to develop high-tech, green chemistry-based solutions.

Her current focus is on the destruction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) using a bench-top, low energy, and low-cost electro-Fenton system designed for deployment in remote locations. She has also worked on converting mining and energy by-products into value-added products. Dr Wruck's research has been supported by various funding bodies, including the ARC Research Hub for Energy Efficient Separation.

Teaching

Dr Wruck's teaching philosophy centers on fostering a passion for scientific inquiry and critical thinking in her students. She emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world applications of chemistry and materials science.

Career

Dr Wruck began her academic journey at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), completing her Bachelor of Applied Science (Chemistry) with Distinction and Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Chemistry). She then pursued her PhD at QUT, focusing on the green activation of mineralogical samples and mining by-products. Dr Wruck was the first candidate to enter into the P2P program, which supports Indigenous Australians in gaining doctoral research qualifications and following a pathway into academic positions.

Career highlights:

• SAGE Publication Prize (2022)
• QLD Women in STEM award (2022)
• Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Award (2023)
• Active involvement in Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group at Science and Technology Australia
• Member of the Equity and Diversity Committee at Science and Technology Australia
• Faculty of Engineering and IT Indigenous Advisory Council at the University of Melbourne
• Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group at the Australian Academy of Science
• Research collaborations with Gilmour Space Corporation
• Sponsored PhD research by the ARC Research Hub for Energy Efficient Separation

Awards and Recognition

Dr Wruck has received numerous awards for her research excellence, teaching, and community work. Her achievements include the SAGE Publication Prize, QLD Women in STEM award, and the Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Award. She is actively involved in significant scientific associations and contributes to various committees promoting equity, diversity, and reconciliation in STEM.