Emmanuel College is delighted to announce the recipients of the 2025 Alumni Awards, Associate Professor Michael Noetel and Gretel Wilson. These awards honour alumni who exemplify the College’s values through their professional achievements, community contributions, and commitment to making a difference.
Michael Noetel (EMC 2009)
Associate Professor, The University of Queensland (psychology, evidence synthesis and AI governance)
Michael completed his Master of Applied Psychology while living at Emmanuel College in 2009. His early career focused on behaviour change research, particularly examining how education and exercise could better improve outcomes for disadvantaged populations.
Michael's academic trajectory saw him rise through positions at Australian Catholic University before joining the University of Queensland in 2022. Along this journey, he garnered multiple national teaching awards, including a prestigious Australian Award for University Teaching, recognising his impact to psychology education.
Throughout his career, Michael has published influential research that has shaped international policy and practice. His research has been particularly impactful for those experiencing mental illness and students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, demonstrating his commitment to translating academic excellence into tangible social benefits.
In 2020, he joined the board as Chair of Effective Altruism Australia, an organisation trying to help Australians maximise their social impact. Under his leadership, the small organisation has directed tens of millions of dollars to the world's most effective charities, applying the same rigorous evidence standards that characterise his academic work.
Gretel Wilson (EMC 2009–2011)
CEO & Co-Founder, Casu
Gretel Wilson is the CEO and Co-Founder of Casu, a technology company transforming the casual workforce sector. A graduate of the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Journalism and Communications, Gretel began her career in media, including a stint in New York City, before returning to Australia to complete a Juris Doctor at the University of Sydney.
While studying law, she recognised the gap between casual employment and technology, and co-founded Casu - an app that connects businesses with vetted casual workers, while ensuring compliance, payroll, and worker protections are built-in. Drawing on her legal background, Gretel designed Casu to address the legal pitfalls and compliance challenges that have long plagued the gig economy. The result is an Australian-first solution verified by the ATO’s Digital Partnership Office.
Under her leadership, Casu has secured venture capital investment and expanded operations across Queensland and New South Wales. One of Casu’s earliest employees was also an Emmanuel alumna, continuing a tradition of leadership and opportunity beyond college life.
Gretel’s journey reflects the strong foundations built at Emmanuel and UQ, and today she continues to embody the spirit of entrepreneurialism - spotting challenges, building solutions, and leading with innovation.
We will acknowledge our award recipients at the upcoming Bannockburn Dinner on Thursday 16 October. Click here for more information and to register.
