Ruby is an astrophysicist studying how galaxies, including our own Milky Way, consume and expel gas. She uses cosmological simulations—computer-generated “mini-universes”—which have recently become an essential and ubiquitous tool for astronomers. As a Forrest Fellow, Ruby is helping to build Western Australia’s expertise in computational astrophysics, supporting observations from world-class facilities like the Square Kilometre Array and its precursors.

Dr Wright graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) from UWA, specialising in astrophysics and mechanical engineering. After working in the aerospace sector for a year, she undertook a PhD at the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) and UWA, graduating in 2022. Following her PhD, Ruby spent time at the Flatiron Institute in New York as a Fulbright postdoctoral scholar, and subsequently worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki in Finland before starting as a Forrest Fellow in 2024.

Outside of her research, Ruby is passionate about several sports — including AFL, soccer, and floorball. She is an ongoing member of the Australian National Women’s Floorball Team, previously having been supported by the UWA student athlete development program.