As it turns out, the study of ticks, worms, mosquitos and other parasites is critical to solving human, animal and environmental health puzzles around the world, and for more than 30 years, Professor Una Ryan has been putting the pieces together in Murdoch’s laboratories. 

Professor Ryan began her research journey in 1992 when she commenced her PhD investigating genetic variation in Cryptosporidium and Giardia, two medically important and easily spread protozoan parasites that can cause long-lasting symptoms, especially in children. 

Her PhD conferral in 1996 was the start of a globally significant trajectory that included pioneering molecular epidemiology, especially of Cryptosporidium, discovering unsuspected environmental and zoonotic threats to human health and suggesting practical ways to minimise these threats.  

I have always been fascinated by the ability of parasites to constantly evolve and survive challenging environments.

Today Professor Ryan is an internationally recognised expert in molecular epidemiology of protozoan parasites and vector-borne diseases. Her research has led to two patents and the development of new diagnostic tests for a range of parasites, and she even has a species of Cryptosporidium named in her honour; Cryptosporidium ryanae. 

Professor Ryan has been awarded millions of dollar’s worth of research grants that have resulted in more than 314 papers which have been cited more than 13,157 times - her research on Cryptosporidium has been cited 98 per cent more than the world average. 

In addition, Professor Ryan played a key role in the formation of the ARC/NHMRC Research Network for Parasitology, helping to revitalise and further the aspirations of Australian parasitology, especially the development of its young researchers. 
 
Supporting the next generation of parasitologists has also been a passion, having mentored more than 15 post-doctoral and academic staff, and supervised more than 27 honours and 20 PhD candidates. 

Professor Ryan has always taken her responsibilities as a role model for women in STEM seriously, for example as president of the Australian Society for Parasitology she was instrumental in driving constitutional changes that ensured gender equality across all the ASP’s committees.  

The organisms she studies are tiny, but the impact of Professor Ryan’s research, and her dedication to ensuring its future, have been massive. 

She has received the Federal Minister’s Prize for Achievement in Life Sciences, the Bancroft-Mackerras Medal from the Australian Society for Parasitology for excellence in research, and the Murdoch University Vice Chancellor’s Excellence in Research Award for Distinguished and Sustained Achievement. 

In 2021 Professor Ryan was made a Fellow of the Australian Society for Parasitology, and in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours she was appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia for significant service to tertiary education, biochemistry, and parasitology.  

“She is an exceptional leader and mentor both within the University and in the wider parasitology community and has made outstanding contributions to science locally and more widely,” Vice Chancellor Professor Andrew Deeks said. 

Professor Ryan’s profound impacts, from research to mentorship, are testament to her quiet determination and passion to make a positive difference in the world, and to the opportunities afforded to her at Murdoch. 

Proud is an understatement: “To think she did her PhD here in 1996 and is now standing atop her field – it’s been a remarkable research career and one that’s got a lot more in store, I’m sure,” former Deputy Vice Chancellor Research and Innovation Professor David Morrison said.