Dr Katrina Wruck, QUT research fellow in industrial chemistry and lecturer in the School of Chemistry and Physics with a passion for making the world a greener place has been named the 2025 Young Australian of the Year for Queensland.
A proud Mabuigilaig and Goemulgal woman, Dr Wruck’s work focuses on developing new materials to address contaminants in water, with an emphasis on sustainable, green solutions. Her business, Nguki Kula Green Labs, aims to transform the consumer goods sector by harnessing the power of green chemistry and inspire others to step into STEM.
Dr Wruck’s unique method of converting mining by-products to zeolite LTA – which can remove contaminants from water that cause hardness – will be commercialised while her postdoctoral research examines how to break down dangerous ‘forever chemicals’ into benign ones.
An advocate for First Nations knowledge, Dr Wruck also participates in community engagement programs where she says she is often told by the students she speaks to that she’s the first Indigenous scientist they’ve met.
“It’s extremely validating to get this recognition because too many people along my entire journey have doubted my abilities,” Dr Wruck said.
“I was told by teachers I would never be able to read or achieve any kind of success, let alone be able to study hard maths.
“This year, I discovered I am neuro-divergent which has helped me to realise I learn a different way to the expectations of all those critics.
“I hope that by sharing my story, it helps another young person pursue their passion whatever it is, and that my journey can become someone else’s survival guide one day.”
Dr Wruck and the other Queensland recipients – Geoffrey Smith (Australian of the Year), Dr Bronwyn Herbert (Senior Australian of the Year) and Claire Smith (Local Hero) – at the national awards which will be announced on January 25.
For more information, visit www.australianoftheyear.org.au
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Amanda Weaver
QUT Media
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