Dannielle was a graduate of Lithgow High School in 2003 and completed a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science at the University of Sydney, where she graduated with first class honours in 2007.

She now works as a researcher and university lecturer in England and has a passion for the marine environment. She is an associate professor of Ecology and is the director of the Applied Ecology Research Group at Anglia Ruskin University.

"I research how human activities are affecting the natural environment especially marine ecosystems, everything from urbanisation to invasive species," she said.

Professor Green has only been lecturing for five years, prior to that she was a dedicated full time researcher.

"I did a PhD in Ireland on invasive oysters and became interested in plastic pollution after that, I won money from the government to research the impacts of marine plastic pollution in 2014," she said.

Her main focus for the past eight years has been plastic pollution and she was a big contributor to the plastic bag levy and microbeads ban in the UK and other countries.

"I use my research to change policy and safeguard the environment," she said.

Professor Green said a highlight for her career has been living abroad and travelling for research.

"I have travelled a lot to places like the Falkland Islands, Ascension Island, all over Europe and parts of Africa," she said.

She also had the opportunity to present at the United Nations Environment Programme meeting on marine plastics and microplastics.

"That was one of the best experiences of my life. I'm also one of the lead authors on the UNEP global report that came out this year," she said.

She said it was one of the most challenging, rewarding and eye-opening experience of her life.

"I had to synthesise the perspectives and problems of people from all over the world.

"Working with these scientists and experts from all over the world was incredibly humbling and inspiring and has opened my eyes to the challenges faced by developing countries that we could never even imagine," she said.

Professor Green said the only downside to living overseas was being away from family.

"Living across the country is not for the faint-hearted. It's the worst part because I am incredibly close to my parents," she said.

She has lived abroad for over 12 years but said she still talks to her mum Senga and dad Michael everyday.

"The pandemic has also made things hard not being able to travel but things are looking up," she said.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Professor Green said she knew when she was eight years old that she wanted to be a marine biologist.

"I read my old diaries recently from when I was a kid and noticed when I was eight I wrote I wanted to be a marine biologist to help save the marine creatures," she said.

Although she knew what she wanted to do, she reminded those who were completing year 12 not to worry if they didn't have a plan.

"Don't worry if you don't have a plan yet or if things don't work out to plan," she said.

"It is a big world out there and once you leave high school you will meet so many people and have so many opportunities that anything is possible, even if it doesn't follow the exact path you planned."

Professor Green also spoke fondly on her time at Lithgow High School and was proud to be an ex-student.

"It may not seem like it right now to those graduating, but in years to come you will look back fondly at good old Lithgow High.

"It was a great school with caring and inspirational teachers and I am glad that I went there," she said.

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