Dr Helen Wei
Senior Research Officer
Working groups
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
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2023: New Leader course, Australian Institute of Management
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2013–2017: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D., Pharmacology) Monash University, Australia
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2009–2012: Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Hons, First class), Monash University, Australia
Appointments
- 2014–ongoing: Australian Society for Medical Research (ASMR) committee
Positions
- 2025: Margaret Harrison Parental Leave Fellowship
- 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
Burnet publications
Serological assays to measure dimeric IgA antibodies in SARS‐CoV‐2 infections
Immunology and Cell Biology
Zihui Wei et al
Dimeric IgA is a specific biomarker of recent SARS-CoV-2 infection
medRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)
Heidi E. Drummer et al
Brain immune cell composition and functional outcome after cerebral ischemia: comparison of two mouse strains
Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience
Zihui Wei
Current projects
Efficacy assessment of a new point-of-care test for confirmation of active syphilis in men who have sex with men
We're developing a novel rapid point of care test based on lateral flow technology for diagnosis of active syphilis in a single visit.
Diagnosis of active syphilis
We're developing point-of-care diagnostics for active syphilis, aiming to transform syphilis management globally and contribute to World Health Organization goals.
Liver health screening test
A rapid point-of-care (POC) test for liver disease biomarkers could improve the management of acute and chronic liver disease and reduce the progression to liver cancer in Australia and globally.
