ABOUT
HELIX MOLECULAR SOLUTIONS
Helix Molecular Solutions Pty Ltd is a specialist genetics consultancy, providing a wide range of DNA sequencing and analysis services.
Helix was formed in 2010 as a sister company to, and joint initiative with, Biota Environmental Sciences. The two firms share a similar collaborative and rigorous approach to applied biological assessments.
OUR TEAM
Our dedicated team of scientists at Helix Molecular Solutions is committed to advancing genetic research and providing exceptional consultancy services, ensuring successful project outcomes for our clients.
Dr. Zoë Hamilton
Principal Geneticist / Zoologist
Zoë is a conservation geneticist and zoologist specialising in molecular ecology, population genetics and biodiversity assessment. Her PhD research on land snails addressed phylogenetics, hybridisation and fine-scale population structure, investigating how isolation and environmental gradients drive endemism and repeated evolutionary patterns.
Zoë has been with Helix for eight years and combines deep expertise in evolutionary genetics with applied conservation science. She integrates molecular and ecological insights to resolve both historical lineage divergence and contemporary population dynamics to directly inform management of cryptic and threatened species. At Helix, she leads collaborative projects that combine scientific rigour and strategic thinking to address complex biodiversity challenges.
Yvette Hitchen
Senior Molecular Biologist / Laboratory Manager
With over 15 years at Helix, Yvette specialises in applied molecular genetics across diverse projects. Her experience spans fragment analysis, Sanger sequencing, metabarcoding, LAMP assays and species‑specific qPCR design, with successful work across taxonomic groups including subterranean fauna, invertebrates, reptiles, mammals and birds.
Yvette has extensive experience in population genetics and phylogeographic analysis, including mitochondrial DNA-based assessments of recovery and gene flow in the New Zealand fur seal across southern Australia. Yvette has developed multiple species-specific qPCR assays for conservation significant species, and she support a wide client base in the private sector and major universities across Australia.
Dr Karen Cullen
Senior Molecular Biologist
Karen specialises in terrestrial short-range endemic and subterranean fauna systematics. She has over 20 years of zoological consulting experience specialising on these groups, including fauna monitoring and molecular systematics research.
Since completing her PhD researching the systematics and biogeography of Goblin Spiders in Australia, she has described 108 invertebrate species. Karen also has experience in field-based terrestrial invertebrate and vertebrate fauna surveys. Her skills cover collection, processing, sequencing, identification, and molecular systematic analysis of SRE taxa, and she is currently a research associate of the Western Australian Museum.
Serina McConnell
Molecular Biologist
Under the mentorship of conservation geneticist A/Professor Peter Spencer at the Murdoch University Wildlife Genetics Laboratory, Serina conducted population genetic research on conservation-specific vertebrate species using microsatellite and SNP-based approaches.
She is involved in investigations into the population dynamics of cryptic species such as the Pilbara Olive Python, and the elucidation of poorly known subfauna communities through Sanger sequencing.
SERVICES
Helix undertakes mitochondrial and nuclear DNA studies of wildlife populations. The scope of our work includes applied projects for environmental impact assessments and conservation assessments of threatened fauna, in addition to forensic and quarantine sample analysis.
We ensure the highest standard of sample and data management at every stage of our projects.
At Helix Molecular Solutions, our dedication to quality and client satisfaction sets us apart. We leverage cutting-edge methodologies and a collaborative approach to deliver tailored consultancy services that meet your unique needs.
Phylogenetic Studies
Helix has completed numerous benchmark phylogenetic studies on the poorly known components of Western Australia's fauna, including subterranean fauna and short-range endemic invertebrates. This has included external collaboration with many specialist research scientists.
Environmental DNA (eDNA)
We have developed species-specific probes to reliably detect the DNA of target species in environmental samples or other passive samples. This has included applications for introduced species incursions and for the indirect detection and mapping of threatened subterranean fauna species.
Population genetics
We can provide specialist population genetics services, including identification of the number of individual animals represented by tissue or scat samples, detailed analysis of relatedness within populations and expert advice on likely mechanisms structuring populations of threatened species.
Sequence Analysis
Helix maintains an extensive database of reference sequences for a wide range of taxa. We believe in access to this long-established reference set so welcome your request to place your sequence data into context against this. Please contact us to discuss.