Michelle Ward

Dr. Michelle Ward is a Lecturer at Griffith University's School of Environment and Science (Applied Mathematics and Physics Department), affiliated with the Australian Rivers Institute and the Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security. Her research integrates remote sensing, political science, and economic tools to address environmental challenges, focusing on biodiversity conservation, policy effectiveness, and sustainable development. She holds a PhD from the University of Queensland (2021) and previously served as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow and Lead Scientist at WWF-Australia.

Her research interests include conservation planning, environmental legislation evaluation, threat driver analysis, and cost-effective biodiversity recovery strategies. Current projects explore nature-based solutions for societal challenges and a business model to halt extinctions. She advises on doctoral theses and teaches statistics. Key awards include the 2021 Dean’s Award for Outstanding HDR Thesis.

Her funded research includes grants from the Australian Research Council (ARC) and Cotton Research and Development Corporation, focusing on nature-positive frameworks and riparian weed management. Professional activities include conference convening, thesis examining, and media engagement on deforestation and bushfire impacts.