Dr Nina Radzey
Research Officer
Working groups
Background
Nina joined Burnet Institute in 2025 after completing her studies in South Africa. She has worked in the field of sexual and reproductive health for over five years, with a particular interest in identifying risk factors associated with sexually transmissible infections, including HIV, and adverse birth outcomes in women and girls. With a background in proteomics and metaproteomics, she aims to use these tools to investigate host and microbial biomarkers and pathways that can inform interventions to improve outcomes for women and girls.
Qualifications
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2025: PhD in Chemical Biology, University of Cape Town
- 2020: MSc in Medical Virology with Distinction, University of Cape Town
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2017: BSc (Honours) in Immunology and Infectious Diseases with Distinction, University of Cape Town
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2016: BSc in Microbiology and Biochemistry with Distinction, Rhodes University
Positions
- 2025–present: Research Officer, Burnet Institute
Awards
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2020–2025: Departmental Postgraduate Bursary, University of Cape Town
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2023: Travel Award for 12th IAS Conference on HIV Science, Brisbane
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2017: Poliomyelitis Research Foundation BSc (Hons) Bursary
Current projects
View 3 more
The role of female genital tract microbial function in inflammation and HIV infection risk
This project uses metaproteomics data to describe the microbial activities and properties that drive genital inflammation, reduce epithelial barrier integrity and increase HIV infection risk.
MISC: Mucosal injury from sexual contact
The aim of the MISC study is to identify the socio-behavioural and biological causes of inflammation in young South African women.
Genital Inflammation Test (GIFT) for sexual and reproductive health
We’re developing a diagnostic test for genital inflammation to identify women with asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections and bacterial vaginosis.