School of Science

Dr Katrina O’Mara

Kat is the Course Coordinator for the Master of Environmental Science and the Director of Academic Integrity for the School of Science. She is also Deputy Chair of Academic Board.

Current Teaching

• SCI2108 Environmental Management and Sustainability
• SCI6110 Integrated Environmental Management
• SCI5170 Sustainability Assessment and Reporting
• SCI6120 Science Communications and Ethics

Background

Kat is a highly experienced infrastructure sustainability pracademic, renowned for her expertise in climate change, carbon management and circular economy outcomes. She possesses a strong track record in community and stakeholder engagement, effectively bridging the gap between research and industry. She provides valuable advisory services to governments, industry, and non-government organizations across various sectors: renewable energy, carbon management, climate change, environmental management, and stakeholder engagement.

As a leading strategic sustainability advisor, Kat has played a pivotal role in embedding sustainability into the planning and delivery of major infrastructure projects across Australia. Her portfolio includes contributions to METRONET Level Crossing Removal Project as well as major projects for Main Roads WA and developing the ESG strategy for the Westport Program.

Recognized as a prominent figure in the field, Kat has been an integral member of the Infrastructure Sustainability Council's (ISC) independent third-party verification panel since the inception of the Infrastructure Sustainability Rating Scheme in 2012.

Her commitment to excellence extends beyond advisory roles: she serves on the Environmental Institute of Australia and New Zealand's Qualifications Accreditation Board and has been a member of the national judging panels for the Banksia Awards since 2023. Additionally, she contributes her expertise to judging panels for the Australian Packaging Covenant Organization and the NSW State Banksia Awards.

A skilled science and environmental communicator with over 30 years of experience, Kat effectively engages with diverse audiences, including the public, technical professionals, and children. Her expertise shines through in various media platforms – live, broadcast, and print – often under her well-known moniker, Commander Kat.

Professional Memberships

• Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia: Accredited Professional, Verifier and Trainer
• Green Building Council of Australia
• Environmental Consultants Association of WA
• Australian Science Communicators

Awards and Recognition

National and International Awards

• 2014 - Inaugural winner - Leadership in Infrastructure Sustainability Award
• 2011 - Winner – 40under40 Awards, WA Business News
• 2007 - Finalist – Science Communication outside the Classroom Awards, Premier’s Science Awards
• 2000 - State (WA) Winner – Young Australian of the Year Awards
• 2000 - Winner: Science and Technology Achiever– Young Australian of the Year Awards
• 2000 - Finalist Environment Achiever   – Young Australian of the Year Awards
• 2000 - Winner – WA Office of Energy: Energy Achiever of the Year Awards

National and International Research Positions

• Australian Cooperative Research Centre for Renewable Energy
  • Project Leader (2000 – 2003)
  • Project Officer (1997 – 2000)
• Research Institute for Sustainable Energy
  • Project Leader (2003 – 2006)

Research Areas and Interests

• Sustainability assessments, particularly for infrastructure and communities
• Sustainability in environmental impact assessments
• Renewable and sustainable energy
• Science communication

Qualifications

• Graduate Diploma in Education Tertiary and Adult, Murdoch University, 2008.
• Doctor of Philosophy -Science Communication, Murdoch University, 2007.
• Bachelor of Science with Honours, Murdoch University, 1997.
• Bachelor of Science, Murdoch University, 1995.

Research Outputs

Research Student Supervision