Dr Michelle Ryan is a Senior Lecturer in Ecology and Environmental Science at Western Sydney University and the current Hawkesbury-Nepean Waterkeeper. Michelle’s research includes human impacts on aquatic environments with a focus on the ecological health of freshwater systems and aquatic animals. Her current research focuses on the iconic platypus and the health of platypus populations in the Greater Sydney region. Michelle is passionate about waterway health and uses her research into the platypus to connect and engage with the community, industry and government with the aim of creating resilient waterways throughout Western Sydney.