Suzy Urbaniak OAM

1984 - 1986

Exploration geologist turned education innovator, Suzy Urbaniak OAM built a career dedicated to transforming how young people experience science. A resident of John XXIII College from 1984 to 1987 while studying geology at the Australian National University, she developed a deep curiosity for the natural world that would shape her professional life. Her early career took her into the remote landscapes of Western Australia, where she worked as an exploration geologist and contributed to gold discoveries in the Great Sandy Desert and around Kalgoorlie.

A major turning point in her life led Suzy into teaching, where she reimagined the classroom as a place for hands-on scientific discovery. Drawing on her experience in the resources industry, she developed the CoRE Learning Model (Centre of Resource Excellence)—a STEAM-based approach that connects classroom learning with real-world careers in science, engineering and the resources sector. Launched at Kent Street Senior High School in 2015, the program later expanded through the CoRE Learning Foundation, which she co-founded in 2019. Through this work she has led more than 200 field trips, coached over 50 educators, and partnered with 15 schools across Western Australia, helping hundreds of teachers bring experiential STEM learning into their classrooms.

Suzy’s work has received national recognition, including the Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching (2016), induction into the Western Australian Women’s Hall of Fame (2018), and being named Western Australia’s Local Hero for Australian of the Year (2020). In 2024 she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her contributions to science education. Driven by a lifelong passion for geology and the outdoors, she continues to champion learning that connects young people with the real world and empowers them to become the scientists, engineers and innovators of the future.

Quote

"Look through windows and walk through doors."

All photographs © Bronte Morel 2026 and not to be reproduced.