Bachelor of Applied Science (Biotechnology), 1999; Master of Environmental Engineering Management, 2000
Faculty of Science Award
Growing up, Kate Cole spent a lot of time around trades and construction sites with her electrician dad. From a young age she was drawn to science by an urge to make sense of the unknown and be involved in new discoveries.
Today, Kate is at the forefront of new discoveries as a multiple award-winning scientist and engineer. Her main focus is on the control of respirable crystalline silica (also known as silica dust) and advocating for the health of construction workers across Australia.
Named as an AFR top 100 woman of Influence and one of Science and Technology Australia’s Superstars of STEM, Kate is a leading advocate for the recent ban on engineered stone in Australia and new legislation to protect workers.
During COVID, Kate also advised state and federal governments on ventilation management and solutions, including respiratory protection and general health and safety. Her incredible impact on worker health and safety led to her being recognised in the COVID-19 Honour Roll in 2022 and receiving a Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the 2022 Australia Day Honours.
None of her many achievements would have come about without collaboration with other professionals and institutions. It’s a skill she developed during her time studying science and engineering at UTS. Her undergraduate degree was the first time Kate had experienced working with people from completely different cultures and backgrounds to solve problems together and the friendships and networks she developed during her time at UTS are still a big part of her life today.
After 20+ years working in the industry, Kate set up her independent consultancy Cole Health. She continues to work with organisations as an occupational hygienist to help prevent worker illness and fatalities across construction sectors and land remediation. Her overarching goal is to eliminate preventable dust diseases in workers across multiple industries in Australia within the next 10 years.
My job is to push through the grey areas, gather as much evidence as I can and make the best decisions with the information I have to do good in society.