Helena Martini is a dedicated Molecular Biologist at UZ Brussel, where she plays a pivotal role in advancing the field of microbiology through her expertise in molecular assays and genomic analysis. With a strong foundation in biomedical sciences from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Helena's passion...
Helena Martini is a dedicated Molecular Biologist at UZ Brussel, where she plays a pivotal role in advancing the field of microbiology through her expertise in molecular assays and genomic analysis. With a strong foundation in biomedical sciences from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Helena's passion for microbiology was ignited during her year-long internship at the Laboratory of Microbiology at UZ Brussel, where she focused on the whole genome sequencing of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli. This formative experience laid the groundwork for her current responsibilities, which include the execution, validation, and implementation of molecular assays in a high-throughput microbiological laboratory setting.
At UZ Brussel, Helena is actively involved in epidemiologic surveillance and molecular typing of Bordetella spp. and Corynebacterium spp. as part of her work with the Belgian National Reference Centre (NRC) for Bordetella pertussis and toxigenic corynebacteria. Her special interest in whole genome sequencing of Bordetella pertussis has positioned her as a key contributor to understanding the genetic diversity and epidemiology of this pathogen, which is critical for public health initiatives and outbreak management. Helena's proficiency in various laboratory techniques, including immunohistochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, and ELISA, complements her analytical skills in data management using Microsoft Excel and Visual Basic for Applications (VBA).
Through her commitment to laboratory safety and her collaborative approach, Helena Martini continues to enhance the capabilities of the microbiology department at UZ Brussel, driving innovative research and contributing to the broader scientific community's understanding of infectious diseases. Her work not only supports clinical diagnostics but also informs epidemiological strategies that are vital for controlling and preventing bacterial infections.
