Karla Straker

Dr. Karla Straker is a Senior Lecturer in Design (Foundation Skills) at the School of Architecture, Design and Planning, The University of Queensland. She holds a PhD from Queensland University of Technology (2016) and a Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design) with Honours (2011). Her research focuses on Design Innovation, particularly applying design methods to drive digital solutions in healthcare, renewable energy, and business sectors. She has authored/co-authored multiple books, including Affected: Emotionally Engaging Customers in the Digital Age (2018) and Design Innovation for Health and Medicine (2020).

Dr. Straker has held leadership roles such as Deputy Co-director of the Design Innovation Research Group (2020) and Program Director of Design at the University of Sydney, where she expanded student numbers and curriculum. She has secured over $1M in grants, including projects funded by the Sydney Nano Institute. Notable contributions include low-cost water capture systems for drought relief and ECR workshop initiatives. Her teaching excellence was recognized with the Most Inspiring Teaching award (2011) and VC Award nomination (2020).

Her research spans medical device innovation, digital channel design, and renewable energy transitions. Current supervision includes 2 PhD students and prior supervision of 1 PhD and 6 honours students. Dr. Straker collaborates across disciplines, notably in the Sydney Nano Institute, and her work bridges design with business, medicine, and technology.