Lynne Loo’s Unexpected Path to Impact
Lynne Loo, Class of 2009, has built a career driven by curiosity, adaptability, and a deep desire to make a difference. Now a Research Associate at Curtin University, she is tackling one of the world’s biggest challenges – food waste. Her work, funded by End Food Waste Australia, Western Australia’s Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development, and Curtin University helps businesses embrace circular economy practices.
Making Sustainability a Reality
Lynne collaborates with researchers, government agencies, and businesses across Western Australia’s agriculture, horticulture, and food manufacturing industries. Her work is both scientific and strategic – finding ways to repurpose food waste and making sustainability a smart business decision. Passionate about inspiring the next generation, she encourages young people to explore careers in sustainability, food innovation, and circular economy solutions.
“If more bright, young, passionate minds joined this field, that would be amazing!” Lynne says.
Embracing Growth and Change
Lynne’s career path has been anything but traditional. She first pursued a Bachelor of Music at WAAPA before shifting to business studies and, eventually, a research master’s degree focused on reducing food waste in seafood supply chains.
Her time at Santa Maria College helped shape her fearless approach to learning and growth. “Looking back, I really appreciate being encouraged to try new things, even outside my comfort zone. That mindset has been invaluable, especially now when I present at industry meetings and conferences.”
A Lifelong Love for Music
“I rarely have spare time these days as I have two kids under 4, but hobbies/leisure activities include regular family road trips and camping, lots of beach time, checking out new restaurants, theatre/shows/live music, and listening to audiobooks and podcasts (anything history-related, current affairs, and comedy).”
Despite her busy career and family life, Lynne still finds time for music – the passion that first set her on this journey. She fondly recalls the Santa Maria College Music program, especially the annual Music Camp. “I have so many great memories!”
Lynne’s story proves that careers are rarely linear. They are built on passion, perseverance, and a willingness to explore different paths. Whether in sustainability, business, or the arts, her journey reminds us that every experience has value – especially when approached with curiosity and resilience.
- CareerJourney, CircularEconomy, CurtinUniversity, Featured, FoodManufacturing, FoodWaste, Innovation, Research, SantaMariaCollege, Sustainability, WAAgriculture
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
From the President – May 2026
Santa Maria College alumni can look forward to several upcoming events in 2026. These include a joint alumni event with Aquinas College later in the year, a movie night at Windsor Theatre Nedlands in late July, and the Pleiades Meeting hosted at Santa Maria College in August. The update also encourages support for the College’s Winter Appeal.
Expression of Interest – Explore8 Guest Speakers 2026
Santa Maria College is inviting alumni to submit an expression of interest to speak in the 2026 Explore8 program. Explore8 is a real-world learning experience for Year 8 students focused on research, problem solving and innovation in response to community and global challenges. Guest speakers help students connect ideas to lived experience by sharing their career journeys, challenges and impact.
Tara Del Borrello’s Music Therapy Journey
Music therapy is the intentional use of music by a registered music therapist to support health, functioning and wellbeing. In this alumni story, Tara Del Borrello explains how music therapy can help infants, children and young people with regulation, communication, rehabilitation and recovery. Her journey shows how a creative background can lead to meaningful work in healthcare.
