Mike completed a PhD in virology at ANU then took his DNA skills and applied them within the field of ancient and environmental DNA. He spent the last two decades (at Universities in Oxford, Canada and Australia) extracting DNA from a wide variety of biological material – from fossils to seawater. Mike has published over 220 papers. In 2019, he left the University system to take up the position of Chief Scientist at the EPA but in 2020 was seconded into Aotearoa’s COVID-19 response, where he wrote science advice and policy on the pandemic for the PMCSA, MoH and ESR. Most recently Mike was Chief Science Advisor at DOC until the role was disestablished in June 2024. Mike is currently working at the Minderoo Foundation, Australia’s largest philanthropy where his focus is on using DNA tools to enhance decision-making, data visualisations and outcomes for marine ecosystems