Michelle Power

Parasitologist, Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University

- Anthea Batsakis

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria represent an extraordinary threat to public health. Now, Michelle Power is finding these superbugs among the gut flora of wildlife.

Just after sunset each night, little penguins waddle to their nests in the breakwater by St Kilda Pier in Melbourne, Australia. The iconic – and downright adorable – sight attracts tourists, but for parasitologist Michelle Power, the penguins can also reveal important information about the marine ecosystem.

“They’re an iconic species, but they’re declining in parts of Australia,” Power says. “They’re at the top of the food chain, so they give an indication of what’s going on in the overall ecosystem.”