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.
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.
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.
