Dr Katrina Wruck (She/Her)
Proud Mabuigilaig and Goemulgal woman
What do you do for work?
I’m a scientist and lecturer who loves finding ways to help protect our environment. I work on cleaning harmful chemicals from water using clever chemistry. When I teach, I share both mainstream science and Indigenous knowledge so young people can learn from many ways of thinking and become future problem-solvers.
What is your favourite weird science fact?
Ice isn’t just frozen water - scientists have discovered over 21 types, each with a unique molecular arrangement depending on the pressure and temperature when it formed. Scientists predict that 74,963 different types are possible!
What is your favourite thing to do when you are on Country?
I enjoy sitting with Elders on Country, listening deeply, learning language, culture and ways of knowing. It’s grounding, humbling and a powerful reminder that real wisdom lives in people, not pages.
Dr Jodi Edwards (She/Her)
Walbanja Woman, from Yuin Nation with Dharawal Nation Kinship ties
What do you do for work?
I am the Vice Chancellor Indigenous Research Fellow at the University of Wollongong, and one of the leading voices behind Unbroken Whispers — The Ripples Connecting Sea Kin. My research weaves together Cultural Ecological Knowledges, Science, Song, Dance, Language, and Story-sharing, connecting Land, Sea, and Sky with Women’s Cultural and environmental practices.
What is your favourite weird science fact?
As embryos, whales, dolphins and humans have some unexpected similarities – we all have tiny tails! While humans lose their tails – they become our tail-bones – in whales and dolphins these parts develop into big swimming tails.
What is your favourite thing to do when you are on Country?
I love to surf, snorkel or swim in Saltwater Country.
Tiahni Adamson (She/Her)
Proud descendant of the Kaurareg Nations
What do you do for work?
I’m a Wildlife Conservation Biologist and I work with Bush Heritage Australia as the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Manager. I work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities to protect and care for Country with Right-way Science. We make sure people, plants and animals are healthy and thriving with safe habitat, healthy water and food to enjoy.
What is your favourite weird science fact?
Did you know that Australia is home to a special type of mammal called a monotreme. Echidnas and platypuses are monotremes! They can sense electric fields, lay eggs, have no stomach, teeth or nipples and their spines glow blue-green under UV light!
What is your favourite thing to do when you are on Country?
I love being in salt water, diving my body beneath the waves and observing the perfect curl of turquoise water over my head. I am filled with joy when I take in all the local plants and animals – this makes me feel connected to all life.
Associate Professor Shannon Kilmartin-Lynch (He/Him)
Proud Yowong-Illam-Baluk and Natarrak-Baluk man
What do you do for work?
I am an Associate Professor of Civil Engineering at Monash University. My work involves exploring Indigenous Knowledges of plant resins and incorporating them into concrete structures to make them stronger and last longer.
What is your favourite weird science fact?
My favourite weird science fact is that photons travelling at the speed of light don’t experience time. From their perspective they leave the sun and arrive at Earth instantly!
What is your favourite thing to do when you are on Country?
My favourite thing to do on Country is to practice deep listening, slowing down and being fully present on Country, sensing and feeling what Country is communicating.
Jordan McGrath (He/Him)
Proud Lunga Kija descendent
What do you do for work?
I study wildlife biology and applied mathematics. I hope to use mathematical models to understand ecosystems and improve conservation efforts. I used to work at Ecosure, an environmental consultancy, doing ibis management in South-East Queensland. Currently I am involved in a research project that works to understand how climate change will impact our ocean life in the future.
What is your favourite weird science fact?
Migrating birds navigate using a combination of their senses and their learned experience. They use the sun and stars, Earth's magnetic field, polarized light patterns,
landmarks, and potentially even smell to figure out where they’re going!
What is your favourite thing to do when you are on Country?
I like going on hikes and observing nature. Taking photos of wildlife is my way of engaging with and learning about our environment. I feel being present in our environment is so important.
