Kathleena

Kathleena, a distinguished researcher in Environmental Science and Sustainability, has been making waves at the University of Melbourne since 2019. As an expert on climate change mitigation strategies and renewable energy solutions, she is actively involved with the university's Centre for Sustainable Cities. Kathleena earned her B.Sc. in Environmental Science from Monash University and later obtained her Ph.D. in Renewable Energy Systems from the University of Adelaide. She completed her post-doctoral work under the guidance of Drs. Emily Carter and David MacKay at Stanford University’s Department of Energy Resources Engineering.

After spending five years as part of the faculty in the School of Earth Sciences at the University of Queensland, where she also directed projects focusing on sustainable urban development, Kathleena moved to Melbourne. There, she has spent the last seven years as a research scientist in the Institute for Resilient Regions, concentrating on how communities can adapt to changing environmental conditions. She has received accolades such as the Green Innovator Award and the Community Impact Prize for her outstanding contributions to sustainability education.

Kathleena's current research delves into innovative technologies that can accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy and safeguard ecosystems from the impacts of global warming. Her insights have been featured in various media outlets, including ABC Radio National, The Guardian, BBC World Service, and SBS Television, as well as documentaries produced by National Geographic and Discovery Channel on the subject of climate resilience.

In 2023, Kathleena was honored as a Fellow by the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering for her significant advancements in the field of environmental science. This prestigious title recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to technology or engineering that benefit society.

Kathleena now serves as the Director of Undergraduate Studies in Environmental Science and was recently nominated by the Minister for Climate Change to the National Climate Adaptation Committee as the Research Sector Representative.