Associate ProfessorMichelle Campbell-Ward

BSc BVSc(Hons I) PGCertIAWEL MANZCVS(Zoo Medicine) DZooMed(Mammalian)

Michelle is a wildlife, zoo and exotic species veterinarian, researcher and leader with particular interests in animal welfare, ethics and zoological medicine. Her novel work on the outcomes of wildlife rescue efforts in bushfires and other disasters have contributed to improving rehabilitation practices and guidelines. She joined the University of Sydney in 2023 as Associate Professor in Wildlife and Avian Medicine.

Michelle has experience in referral zoo, non-traditional pet and wildlife practice, conservation research, government administration and animal welfare and biosecurity policy development.

Following completion of undergraduate biology and veterinary science degrees at the University of Sydney and several years in private mixed veterinary practice, Michelle completed an exotic animal and wildlife residency program at the University of Edinburgh and became a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeon's Recognised Specialist in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine.

Michelle has since worked in academia (as a lecturer with the University of Edinburgh), in the zoo and wildlife industry (as a clinical veterinarian with Taronga Conservation Society) and in the public sector (as a Team Leader with the Animal Welfare Unit at NSW DPI). She has contributed to leading exotic and wildlife veterinary textbooks and journals and has held a number of leadership positions in veterinary professional organisations.

Michelle is currently enrolled in a PhD exploring the ethics of wildlife health interventions.