Dr Michelle Ryan is a Senior Lecturer in Ecology and Environmental Science and 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 the platypus populations in a growing Greater Sydney. Michelle is passionate about waterway health and uses her research into the platypus to connect the community, industry and governments with waterways to create resilient waterways throughout Western Sydney.