Dr. Katrina Wruck

Dr. Katrina Wruck’s unique inventions, based on Indigenous knowledge and Western science, have left a mark in environmental chemistry, bridging the way for a more inclusive scientific world.

Winner of the 2025 Young Australian of the Year, Dr. Katrina Wruck is an Australian environmental chemist, entrepreneur, and advocate for Indigenous representation in science and sustainability (Australian of the Year Awards, 2025). She has devoted herself to combining Western science with traditional Indigenous ecological knowledge, eventually creating her own business, Nguki Kula Green Labs (QUT). As a Mabuigilaig and Goemulgal woman from the Torres Strait Islands in Queensland, she proudly embraces her roots and draws on them to advance science. More specifically, she focuses on developing sustainable technologies—environmentally friendly methods and tools designed to reduce harm and conserve resources—to treat contaminated water and address environmental damage from mining (ABC News, 2021). Her leadership has made significant efforts to support indigenous individuals in STEM. To summarize, her research and leadership impact demonstrates why she has been recognized and awarded.

Although now known as a revolutionary environmental chemist, Katrina faced academic struggles early in life—labeled a slow learner and told she would never learn to read. In Year 10, her teachers decided she was incapable of taking advanced math courses. These setbacks reflect a broader issue faced by many Indigenous students: systemic underestimation and limited academic support (QUT). 

Furthermore, this is rooted in the colonization of schools, which undermines indigenous knowledge. The original idea of the colonial project was to replace Indigenous knowledge with Western knowledge–believing it was superior, which created an unbalanced and discriminatory environment for Indigenous individuals. (Smith, 2012)

Despite these obstacles, Katrina demonstrated an inquisitive mind and love for learning, even as her school experience lacked support and understanding (Australian of the Year bio). This neglect was not unique to her; many Indigenous children face similar dismissive attitudes (ABC interview). Undeterred, Katrina found herself at Griffern University Library more than her classroom to gain knowledge--showcasing her resilience (QUT Academic Profile). Her transformational journey is prominent in Australian Indigenous history, from academic neglect to scientific history.  

After graduating with high marks in advanced math courses she was once deemed incapable of taking, Katrina pursued a Bachelor of Applied Science (Chemistry) at Queensland University of Technology “QUT” (Cosmos). During her studies, she faced housing challenges due to high living costs, residing at the southern end of the Gold Coast. This required a 40-minute walk to the train station, an hour-long train ride, and another walk to campus (ABC News, 2021). Such a demanding routine forced her to wake at 4 a.m. to attend 8 a.m. lectures. Living closer to campus was financially unfeasible for many students, including Katrina. Despite these difficulties, she showed remarkable perseverance and eventually shortened her commute by moving closer through shared housing (Cosmos). To support herself, she worked part-time during both her undergraduate and honors studies. She earned the Chemistry, Physics, and Mechanical Engineering “CPME” scholarship, which supports students in these fields (QUT), helping ease financial burdens while recognizing her academic promise. Later, she became the first Indigenous fellow in QUT’s Indigenous Australians PhD to Post Doctorate “P2P” program, designed to support Indigenous students transitioning from research to employment. Her role in this fellowship program broke down barriers and paved the way for other Indigenous students, especially for opportunities in STEM, with mentorship, funding, and job placement support (QUT). Katrina’s resilience in overcoming these challenges has helped create more accessible pathways for Indigenous people in STEM.

Dr. Katrina Wruck's Ph.D. research focused on sustainable solutions in material science and green chemistry. Her work is groundbreaking for advancing scientific understanding by integrating Indigenous traditional knowledge (QUT). Her most prominent breakthrough is ZOLTA, a form of synthetic zeolite. Synthetic zeolites are man-made materials mimicking natural zeolites—microporous, crystalline structures composed mainly of silicon, aluminum, and oxygen. They have a honeycomb-like structure with tiny pores, making them highly porous and ideal for water purification. These materials can trap, exchange, or filter molecules and have ion exchange abilities that replace harmful ions like heavy metals with harmless ones.

Additionally, they resist heat and chemicals, suitable for harsh industrial environments (Cosmos). ZOLTA is produced using a low-temperature method and low-value volcanic rocks, making it cheaper and more sustainable to produce. This technology is the foundation of Nguki Kula Green Labs, officially registered as an Australian Private Company on August 22, 2024 (ASIC, 2024). The company is dedicated to creating sustainable solutions that merge Western science with Indigenous knowledge. Its mission is to develop eco-friendly technologies that improve environmental health and empower remote Indigenous communities (QUT). One key contribution includes low-cost, eco-friendly filtration systems designed to provide clean water for Indigenous communities affected by pollution, thereby reducing preventable diseases such as rheumatic heart disease (ABC News, 2021). Beyond water purification, Dr. Wruck developed eco-friendly consumer products, including a reusable, sustainable laundry system that reduces chemical pollution and promotes sustainable living, which included her low-temperature process. Additionally, she worked on improving the household oven to reduce energy use and carbon emissions, aligning with green chemistry principles. Through these innovations, Dr. Wruck set historical marks with her combination of Western medicine and Indigenous environmental practice that, with her cutting-edge science, produced a positive impact on both Indigenous communities and the earth. 

Beyond her scientific contribution, she advocates for Indigenous voices in STEM, supports students pursuing STEM careers, and offers mentors and support to Indigenous students through workshops, school visits, and community programs, allowing her to fill the gaps in resources and support she had experienced (ABC News, 2021).

She also promotes scholarships, internships, and programs that remove barriers for underrepresented students (QUT). As a public figure, she raises Indigenous knowledge in scientific spaces through speaking engagements and academic platforms (ABC News, 2021). Her advocacy emphasizes the importance of Indigenous science in research and education, making her a powerful role model, especially for young Indigenous women in STEM. Her advocacy created recognition for indigenous contributions within STEM fields.  

Dr. Katrina Wruck is a public figure, researcher, advocate, and entrepreneur; her work highlights the benefits of blending Indigenous knowledge with environmental chemistry. Nguki Kula Green Labs and its innovations, such as ZOLTA, created technology that benefits the environment and underrepresented communities. From being labeled a slow learner to earning a PhD, launching a company, and producing impactful products, her journey reflects her determination and astonishing accomplishments. Her innovations are advancing science to a more equitable, community-driven, and tradition-involved environment for future generations.   

In conclusion, Dr. Katrina Wruck’s innovations are inspiring and are redefining sustainable science. Her contributions mark a significant historical turning point in environmental chemistry and Indigenous representation, ensuring her lasting impact on both science and society for years to come.

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Works Cited:

ABC News. “Meet the 2025 Nominees for Australian of the year” ABC News, 2021, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-25/meet-the-2025-nominees-for-australian-of-the-year/104855770.

ASIC (Australian Securities & Investments Commission). “Nguki Kula Green Labs Pty Ltd - Company Registration.” ASIC Register, 22 Aug. 2024, https://nkgreenlabs.com.au/.

Australian of the Year Awards. “2025 Young Australian of the Year: Dr. Katrina Wruck.” Australian of the Year, 2025, https://australianoftheyear.org.au/recipients/dr-katrina-wruck.

Cosmos Magazine. “Innovating Indigenous Science: Dr. Katrina Wruck’s Zeolite Breakthrough.” Cosmos, https://cosmosmagazine.com/cosmos-studio/indigenous-scientist-environmental-chemistry/.

Queensland University of Technology (QUT). “Dr. Katrina Wruck — Academic Profile and Research.” QUT, https://www.qut.edu.au/about/our-people/academic-profiles/kj.wruck.

Queensland University of Technology (QUT). “Indigenous Australians PhD to Postdoctorate (P2P) Program.” QUT Indigenous Research Support, https://www.qut.edu.au/study/fees-and-scholarships/scholarships/indigenous-australians-phd-professional-doctorate-to-postdoctoral-fellowship-p2p-program.

Smith, Linda Tuhiwai. Decolonizing Methodologies: Research and Indigenous Peoples. Zed Books Ltd., 2012.