I am a Veterinary Epidemiologist (I study the occurrence, distribution and control of disease), employed as an Associate Professor in Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health at Charles Sturt University and director of Heller Consulting Pty Ltd. I am also a co-founder of the AMR Vet Collective (www.amrvetcollective.com).I graduated with a Veterinary Science degree from the University of Sydney and completed a PhD and specialist training at the University of Glasgow and have worked in research and teaching veterinary students at Universities of Sydney, Glasgow and at Charles Sturt University prior to commencing my consulting business, which I now work at part time while also retaining a research only part time role at CSU. My main interest is in infectious disease epidemiology, with particular reference to antimicrobial resistant organisms, and the potential for zoonotic transfer of pathogens between animals and humans. This has direct relevance for regional areas as this is where zoonotic disease is most likely to occur. I am involved in numerous research projects addressing zoonotic disease, including Q fever, brucellosis, MRSA, Chlamydia psittaci, antimicrobial stewardship and E.coli O157. I also contribute my skills in Epidemiology to research in different areas, including companion animal and equine health. I am committed to the ‘One Health’ approach, which represents the integration of animal, human and ecosystem health.