Background

Helen is a Senior Research Officer with the Burnet Diagnostic Initiative (BDI). She is passionate about conducting R&D in immunodiagnostics and novel biotherapies, with excellent experience in developing point-of-care diagnostics for various diseases (such as Malaria, COVID-19, liver health, HIV, and syphilis).

Her PhD in the Department of Pharmacology at Monash University focused on cardiovascular immunology, investigating the role of T cells in promoting the pathogenesis of hypertension and identifying novel targets of the immune system for treating the condition.

Qualifications

• 2023: New Leader course, Australian Institute of Management

• 2013–2017: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D., Pharmacology) Monash University, Australia

• 2009–2012: Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Hons, First class), Monash University, Australia

Appointments

• 2014–ongoing: Australian Society for Medical Research (ASMR) committee

Positions

• 2021–present: Senior Research Officer, Burnet Institute
• 2018–2021: Postdoctoral Research Officer, Burnet Diagnostic Initiative (BDI), Burnet Institute
• 2018: Postdoctoral Research Scientist, La Trobe University
• 2017–2018: Research Officer, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University
• 2013–2017: PhD candidate, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University
• 2013–2017: Teaching Associate, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University
• 2011: Casual Research Assistant, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University

Awards

• 2013–2017: Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) for PhD
• 2015: Oral finalist of HBPRCA student
• 2014: State of the Heart Student Travel Grant
• 2014: Three Minute Thesis competition Monash University:
  • Finalist in the Department of Pharmacology
  • Finalist in the School of Biomedical Science
• 2009–2011: Monash University Scholarship for Excellence and Equity