In the year of celebrating verity, one of Loreto College Coorparoo’s five values, it is proud to honour Dr Alice Twomey as its Outstanding Young Alumnus for 2025.
Dr Alice Twomey, who graduated in 2008, exemplifies the spirit of Mary Ward’s maxim: “Be seekers of truth and doers of justice”, through her remarkable career and achievements in the fields of coastal engineering and marine ecology.
Dr Twomey embarked on her journey of excellence after graduating from Loreto College Coorparoo, going on to complete her Bachelor of Engineering at the University of Queensland, graduating with first-class Honours. Her academic pursuits culminated in a PhD focusing on Coastal Engineering and Marine Ecology. This interdisciplinary research centred on the role of seagrass in coastal protection, bridging engineering principles with ecological applications. Her innovative work addressed complex environmental challenges with hydrodynamic models, contributing significantly to flood resilience and coastal ecosystem restoration.
Throughout her career, Dr Twomey has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to academia and industry, achieving recognition both in Australia and internationally. Her contributions have ranged from high-impact research exploring nature-based solutions for coastal protection to the application of hydrodynamic and flood modelling for large infrastructure projects with leading engineering firms. She has been instrumental in developing sustainable engineering practices that integrate ecological restoration with practical solutions to climate-induced hazards.
Dr Twomey’s achievements have been continually lauded. In 2022, she was a Queensland finalist for the Engineers Australia Young Professional Engineer of the Year Award, receiving a Highly Commended recognition. Her scholarly accomplishments include securing multiple competitive grants, such as the UQ-CSIRO Coastal and Research Fund, and earning a prestigious Fellowship with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama. A published author in respected journals like the Journal of Environmental Management, Science of the Total Environment, and Scientific Data (Nature), she has focused her efforts on hydrological restoration and nature-based solutions that mitigate flooding, erosion, and capture carbon. This pioneering research advances our understanding of coastal ecosystems as vital tools in combatting climate change.
Beyond her research, Dr Twomey has made profound contributions to education and mentorship. She has led innovative courses in water engineering and aquatic environments while supporting postgraduate and PhD candidates, fostering the next generation of environmental scientists and engineers. Her outreach extends internationally, having presented her work at conferences in Spain, Colombia, Germany, and throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Additionally, she volunteers as a reviewer for 11 scientific journals and multiple conservation projects, further demonstrating her commitment to her field.
Dr Twomey is deeply passionate about promoting STEM careers for women. As a Science Technology Australia Superstar in STEM, she will hold this prestigious title for two years, conducting outreach for schools and communities while translating her research for policymakers. Her advocacy has seen her work as an Origin Energy Women in STEM Ambassador and speaker for the CSIRO Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy, delivering inspiring talks at secondary schools to encourage young girls to pursue STEM careers. She has also supported initiatives such as the Queensland Flying Scientist Initiative and spearheaded citizen science efforts during the pandemic as a volunteer principal investigator for the eOceans Our Oceans in COVID-19 project.
Her role as a speaker and panellist at national forums underscores her dedication to fostering understanding and dialogue around environmental science and coastal engineering. Her leadership empowers communities to embrace sustainable practices and underscores the urgent need for climate resilience and ecological restoration.
Dr Alice Twomey’s achievements are truly extraordinary. She has not only excelled as a researcher and educator but has also served as a beacon of inspiration for women in STEM and coastal engineering.
Her tireless efforts to make the world a better place reflect the values instilled by her alma mater, Loreto College Coorparoo. We stand in awe of her accomplishments and look forward to the continued impact of her work on the global stage.
