Dr Helen Mayfield
Dr

Helen Mayfield

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+61 7 336 55393

Background

Dr Helen Mayfield is an interdisciplinary researcher whose work lies at the intersection of epidemiology, infectious diseases and environmental conservation. With a decade of experience studying zoonotic and vector-borne diseases, she employs advanced data modelling techniques like Bayesian networks and spatial models to explore the environmental drivers of disease. Helen holds a PhD in machine learning for environmental management. Her research focus is on refining and testing new disease surveillance methods and strategies, such as molecular xenomonitoring of mosquitoes, and targeted sampling to combat lymphatic filariasis in the Pacific islands. In addition, her current project collaborating with the NSW Saving our Species programme aims to facilitate adaptive management for threatened species using structured expert knowledge to improve decision outcomes for biodiversity.

Helen teaches in courses for conservation planning and practice, and conservation policy. She is currently president of the Bayesian Network Modelling Association and a member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Decision Science Working Group.

Availability

Dr Helen Mayfield is:
Available for supervision

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
  • Member, Australasian Bayesian Network Society, Australasian Bayesian Network Society
  • Member, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science
  • Collaboration / Affiliation, Griffith University Systems Modelling Group, Griffith University Systems Modelling Group
  • Associate Fellow, QUT Centre for Data Science, QUT Centre for Data Science

Research interests

  • Improving indicator selection and design

    In both conservation science and infectious disease epidemiology, what we measure and how, will affect how accurately we detect changes in the system. This could be as part of a threatened species management plan or for informing programmatic decisions for disease elimination. By exploring alternative indicators and sampling methods, we can improve our understanding of the system to informed management decisions.

  • Linking local environments to infectious disease risk

    The environment where we live and work can affect our exposure to vector-borne or zoonotic diseases. This potentially creates win-win scenarios where we can optimise interventions so that they benefit both people and nature.

  • Decision support and analysis tools

    Tools and models that help to structure and analyse data from a range of sources including academic studies, monitoring and expert elicitation can facilitate informed decision making. This is equally true in data-rich and data-poor scenarios. Using the right modelling technique to suit the problem at hand, and making the tool user-friendly for the intended audience are crucial for ensuring the product is fit-for-purpose

Search Professor Helen Mayfield’s works on UQ eSpace

72 works between 2002 and 2025
All (72) Journal Article (54) Book Chapter (2) Conference Publication (9) Other Outputs (7)

1 - 20 of 72 works

2025

Journal Article

A study protocol for developing a spatial vulnerability index for infectious diseases of poverty in the Caribbean region

Kiani, Behzad, Mario Martin, Beatris, Cadavid Restrepo, Angela, Mayfield, Helen J., Skinner, Eloise, Karina Maldonado Alcaíno, Ana, Nilles, Eric J., Lau, Colleen L. and Sartorius, Benn (2025). A study protocol for developing a spatial vulnerability index for infectious diseases of poverty in the Caribbean region. Global Health Action, 18 (1) 2461867, 2461867-1. doi: 10.1080/16549716.2025.2461867

A study protocol for developing a spatial vulnerability index for infectious diseases of poverty in the Caribbean region

2025

Journal Article

Sensitivity of anti-filarial antibodies for lymphatic filariasis surveillance: Insights from a serological survey in Samoa in 2018

Lawford, Harriet L. S., Sartorius, Benn, Mayfield, Helen J., Sam, Filipina Amosa-Lei, Viali, Satupaitea, Kamu, Tito, Thomsen, Robert and Lau, Colleen L. (2025). Sensitivity of anti-filarial antibodies for lymphatic filariasis surveillance: Insights from a serological survey in Samoa in 2018. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 19 (1) e0012835, e0012835-1. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012835

Sensitivity of anti-filarial antibodies for lymphatic filariasis surveillance: Insights from a serological survey in Samoa in 2018

2025

Journal Article

Recurrence of microfilaraemia after triple-drug therapy for lymphatic filariasis in Samoa: recrudescence or reinfection?

Mayfield, Helen J., Muttucumaru, Ramona, Sartorius, Benn, Sheridan, Sarah, Ward, Selina, Martin, Beatris Mario, Hedtke, Shannon M., Thomsen, Robert, Viali, Satupaitea, Fatupaito, Glen, Lau, Colleen L. and Graves, Patricia M. (2025). Recurrence of microfilaraemia after triple-drug therapy for lymphatic filariasis in Samoa: recrudescence or reinfection?. International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 152 107809, 1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2025.107809

Recurrence of microfilaraemia after triple-drug therapy for lymphatic filariasis in Samoa: recrudescence or reinfection?

2025

Other Outputs

Code and data used to develop the Australian terrestrial bird communities typology

Indraswari, Karlina, Maron, Martine, Mayfield, Helen, Fraser, Hannah, Mills-Anderson, Jonathan, Melton, Courtney and Mills-Anderson (2025). Code and data used to develop the Australian terrestrial bird communities typology. The University of Queensland. (Dataset) doi: 10.48610/1a4e125

Code and data used to develop the Australian terrestrial bird communities typology

2024

Journal Article

Epidemiology of Lymphatic Filariasis Antigen and Microfilaria in Samoa, 2019: 7–9 Months Post Triple-Drug Mass Administration

Mayfield, Helen J., Lawford, Harriet, Sartorius, Benn, Graves, Patricia M., Sheridan, Sarah, Kearns, Therese, Hedtke, Shannon M., Gass, Katherine, Naseri, Take, Thomsen, Robert and Lau, Colleen L. (2024). Epidemiology of Lymphatic Filariasis Antigen and Microfilaria in Samoa, 2019: 7–9 Months Post Triple-Drug Mass Administration. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, 9 (12) 311, 311. doi: 10.3390/tropicalmed9120311

Epidemiology of Lymphatic Filariasis Antigen and Microfilaria in Samoa, 2019: 7–9 Months Post Triple-Drug Mass Administration

2024

Journal Article

Seroepidemiology of human leptospirosis in the Dominican Republic: A multistage cluster survey, 2021

Nilles, Eric J., Paulino, Cecilia Then, Galloway, Renee, de St. Aubin, Michael, Mayfield, Helen J., Cadavid Restrepo, Angela, Dumas, Devan, Garnier, Salome, Etienne, Marie Caroline, Duke, William, Peña, Farah, Iihoshi, Naomi, Abdalla, Gabriela, Lopez, Beatriz, de la Cruz, Lucia, Henríquez, Bernarda, Durski, Kara, Baldwin, Margaret, Loevinsohn, Gideon, Rees, Eleanor M., Martin, Beatris, Sartorius, Benn, Skewes-Ramm, Ronald, Gutiérrez, Emily Zielinski, Kucharski, Adam and Lau, Colleen L. (2024). Seroepidemiology of human leptospirosis in the Dominican Republic: A multistage cluster survey, 2021. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 18 (12) e0012463, e0012463. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012463

Seroepidemiology of human leptospirosis in the Dominican Republic: A multistage cluster survey, 2021

2024

Journal Article

Molecular xenomonitoring as an indicator of microfilaraemia prevalence for lymphatic filariasis in Samoa in 2019

Howlett, Maddison, Mayfield, Helen J., McPherson, Brady, Rigby, Lisa, Thomsen, Robert, Williams, Steven A., Pilotte, Nils, Hedtke, Shannon M., Graves, Patricia M., Kearns, Therese, Naseri, Take, Sheridan, Sarah, McLure, Angus and Lau, Colleen L. (2024). Molecular xenomonitoring as an indicator of microfilaraemia prevalence for lymphatic filariasis in Samoa in 2019. Parasites and Vectors, 17 (1) 382. doi: 10.1186/s13071-024-06463-7

Molecular xenomonitoring as an indicator of microfilaraemia prevalence for lymphatic filariasis in Samoa in 2019

2024

Journal Article

Chikungunya Outbreak Risks after the 2014 Outbreak, Dominican Republic

Loevinsohn, Gideon, Then Paulino, Cecilia, Spring, Jessica, Hughes, Holly R., Cadavid Restrepo, Angela, Mayfield, Helen, de St. Aubin, Michael, Laven, Janeen, Panella, Amanda, Duke, William, Etienne, Marie Caroline, Abdalla, Gabriela, Garnier, Salome, Iihoshi, Naomi, Lopez, Beatriz, de la Cruz, Lucia, Henríquez, Bernarda, Baldwin, Margaret, Peña, Farah, Kucharski, Adam J., Vasquez, Marietta, Zielinski Gutiérrez, Emily, Brault, Aaron C., Skewes-Ramm, Ronald, Lau, Colleen L. and Nilles, Eric J. (2024). Chikungunya Outbreak Risks after the 2014 Outbreak, Dominican Republic. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 30 (12), 2679-2683. doi: 10.3201/eid3012.240824

Chikungunya Outbreak Risks after the 2014 Outbreak, Dominican Republic

2024

Journal Article

Using health literacy principles to improve understanding of evolving evidence in health emergencies: Optimisation and evaluation of a COVID-19 vaccination risk-benefit calculator

Bonner, Carissa, Taba, Melody, Fajardo, Michael Anthony, Batcup, Carys, Newell, Ben R., Li, Amy X., Mayfield, Helen J., Lau, Colleen L. and Litt, John C.B. (2024). Using health literacy principles to improve understanding of evolving evidence in health emergencies: Optimisation and evaluation of a COVID-19 vaccination risk-benefit calculator. Vaccine, 42 (24) 126296, 126296. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.126296

Using health literacy principles to improve understanding of evolving evidence in health emergencies: Optimisation and evaluation of a COVID-19 vaccination risk-benefit calculator

2024

Journal Article

Convergence of SARS-CoV-2 spike antibody levels to a population immune setpoint

Nilles, Eric J., Roberts, Kathryn, de St Aubin, Michael, Mayfield, Helen, Restrepo, Angela Cadavid, Garnier, Salome, Abdalla, Gabriela, Etienne, Marie Caroline, Duke, William, Dumas, Devan, Jarolim, Petr, Oasan, Timothy, Peña, Farah, Lopez, Beatriz, Cruz, Lucia de la, Sanchez, Isaac Miguel, Murray, Kristy, Baldwin, Margaret, Skewes-Ramm, Ronald, Paulino, Cecilia Then, Lau, Colleen L. and Kucharski, Adam (2024). Convergence of SARS-CoV-2 spike antibody levels to a population immune setpoint. eBioMedicine, 108 105319. doi: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105319

Convergence of SARS-CoV-2 spike antibody levels to a population immune setpoint

2024

Journal Article

Field laboratory comparison of STANDARD Q Filariasis Antigen Test (QFAT) with Bioline Filariasis Test Strip (FTS) for the detection of Lymphatic Filariasis in Samoa, 2023

Scott, Jessica L., Mayfield, Helen J., Sinclair, Jane E., Martin, Beatris Mario, Howlett, Maddison, Muttucumaru, Ramona, Won, Kimberly Y., Thomsen, Robert, Viali, Satupaitea, Tofaeono-Pifeleti, Rossana, Graves, Patricia M. and Lau, Colleen L. (2024). Field laboratory comparison of STANDARD Q Filariasis Antigen Test (QFAT) with Bioline Filariasis Test Strip (FTS) for the detection of Lymphatic Filariasis in Samoa, 2023. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 18 (8) e0012386, e0012386-8. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012386

Field laboratory comparison of STANDARD Q Filariasis Antigen Test (QFAT) with Bioline Filariasis Test Strip (FTS) for the detection of Lymphatic Filariasis in Samoa, 2023

2024

Journal Article

Measuring what matters: Context-specific indicators for assessing immunisation performance in Pacific Island Countries and Areas

Patel, Cyra, Sargent, Ginny M., Tinessia, Adeline, Mayfield, Helen, Chateau, Dan, Ali, Akeem, Tuibeqa, Ilisapeci and Sheel, Meru (2024). Measuring what matters: Context-specific indicators for assessing immunisation performance in Pacific Island Countries and Areas. PLOS Global Public Health, 4 (7) e0003068, e0003068-7. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003068

Measuring what matters: Context-specific indicators for assessing immunisation performance in Pacific Island Countries and Areas

2024

Journal Article

Anti-filarial antibodies are sensitive indicators of lymphatic filariasis transmission and enable identification of high-risk populations and hotspots

Lawford, Harriet, Mayfield, Helen, Sam, Filipina Amosa-Lei, Viali, Satupaitea, Kamu, Tito, Cooley, Gretchen, Simon, Ashley, Martin, Diana and Lau, Colleen L (2024). Anti-filarial antibodies are sensitive indicators of lymphatic filariasis transmission and enable identification of high-risk populations and hotspots. International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 147 107194, 107194. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107194

Anti-filarial antibodies are sensitive indicators of lymphatic filariasis transmission and enable identification of high-risk populations and hotspots

2024

Journal Article

Ongoing transmission of lymphatic filariasis in Samoa 4.5 years after one round of triple-drug mass drug administration

Mayfield, Helen J., Sartorius, Benn, Sheridan, Sarah, Howlett, Maddison, Mario Martin, Beatris, Thomsen, Robert, Tofaeono-Pifeleti, Rossana, Viali, Satupaitea, Graves, Patricia M. and Lau, Colleen L. (2024). Ongoing transmission of lymphatic filariasis in Samoa 4.5 years after one round of triple-drug mass drug administration. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 18 (6) e0012236, e0012236. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012236

Ongoing transmission of lymphatic filariasis in Samoa 4.5 years after one round of triple-drug mass drug administration

2024

Journal Article

Trust and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the Dominican Republic: a national cross-sectional household survey, June–October 2021

Garnier, Salomé, Then, Cecilia, de St Aubin, Michael, Cadavid Restrepo, Angela, Mayfield, Helen J., Dumas, Devan, Duke, William, Peña, Farah, Kucharski, Adam J., Skewes, Ronald, Zielinski Gutiérrez, Emily, Coyoli, Julia, Etienne, Marie Caroline, Lau, Colleen L., Vázquez, Marietta and Nilles, Eric (2024). Trust and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the Dominican Republic: a national cross-sectional household survey, June–October 2021. BMJ Open, 14 (5) e081523, 1-8. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-081523

Trust and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the Dominican Republic: a national cross-sectional household survey, June–October 2021

2024

Journal Article

Towards global elimination of lymphatic filariasis: a systematic review of the application of spatial epidemiological methods to enhance surveillance and support elimination programmes

Martin, Beatris Mario, Cadavid Restrepo, Angela, Mayfield, Helen J and Lau, Colleen L (2024). Towards global elimination of lymphatic filariasis: a systematic review of the application of spatial epidemiological methods to enhance surveillance and support elimination programmes. BMJ Public Health, 2 (1), e000534. doi: 10.1136/bmjph-2023-000534

Towards global elimination of lymphatic filariasis: a systematic review of the application of spatial epidemiological methods to enhance surveillance and support elimination programmes

2023

Journal Article

Using regional sero-epidemiology SARS-CoV-2 Anti-S antibodies in the Dominican Republic to inform targeted public health response

Mario Martin, Beatris, Cadavid Restrepo, Angela, Mayfield, Helen, Then Paulino, Cecilia, De St Aubin, Micheal, Duke, William, Jarolim, Petr, Zielinski Gutiérrez, Emily, Skewes Ramm, Ronald, Dumas, Devan, Garnier, Salome, Etienne, Marie Caroline, Peña, Farah, Abdalla, Gabriela, Lopez, Beatriz, de la Cruz, Lucia, Henríquez, Bernarda, Baldwin, Margaret, Sartorius, Benn, Kucharski, Adam, Nilles, Eric James and Lau, Colleen L. (2023). Using regional sero-epidemiology SARS-CoV-2 Anti-S antibodies in the Dominican Republic to inform targeted public health response. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, 8 (11) 493, 1-17. doi: 10.3390/tropicalmed8110493

Using regional sero-epidemiology SARS-CoV-2 Anti-S antibodies in the Dominican Republic to inform targeted public health response

2023

Journal Article

Scrutinizing the impact of policy instruments on adoption of agricultural conservation practices using Bayesian expert models

Dean, Angela J., Eberhard, Rachel, Baresi, Umberto, Coggan, Anthea, Deane, Felicity, Hamman, Evan, Helmstedt, Kate J., Loechel, Barton, Jarvis, Diane, Mayfield, Helen, Stevens, Lillian, Taylor, Bruce and Vella, Karen (2023). Scrutinizing the impact of policy instruments on adoption of agricultural conservation practices using Bayesian expert models. Conservation Letters, 16 (6) e12988, 1-14. doi: 10.1111/conl.12988

Scrutinizing the impact of policy instruments on adoption of agricultural conservation practices using Bayesian expert models

2023

Journal Article

Scabies prevalence after ivermectin-based mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis, Samoa 2018–2019

Willis, Gabriela A., Kearns, Therese, Mayfield, Helen J., Sheridan, Sarah, Thomsen, Robert, Naseri, Take, David, Michael C., Engelman, Daniel, Steer, Andrew C., Graves, Patricia M. and Lau, Colleen L. (2023). Scabies prevalence after ivermectin-based mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis, Samoa 2018–2019. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 17 (8) e0011549, 1-15. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011549

Scabies prevalence after ivermectin-based mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis, Samoa 2018–2019

2023

Journal Article

A decision support tool for risk–benefit analysis of Japanese encephalitis vaccine in travellers

Lau, Colleen L., Mills, Deborah J., Mayfield, Helen, Gyawali, Narayan, Johnson, Brian J., Lu, Hongen, Allel, Kasim, Britton, Philip N., Ling, Weiping, Moghaddam, Tina and Furuya-Kanamori, Luis (2023). A decision support tool for risk–benefit analysis of Japanese encephalitis vaccine in travellers. Journal of Travel Medicine, 30 (7) taad113. doi: 10.1093/jtm/taad113

A decision support tool for risk–benefit analysis of Japanese encephalitis vaccine in travellers

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2027
    New metrics to track fauna community condition in Australia
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2023 - 2024
    The effectiveness and evaluation of a species response to management approach
    New South Wales Department of Planning and Environment
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2025
    Targeted surveillance studies linked to Surveillance and Monitoring to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis and Scabies from Samoa (SaMELFS)
    Task Force for Global Health
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2020
    Developing indices and process models for estimating offset benefits to species
    New South Wales Department of Planning, Industry and Environment
    Open grant

Availability

Dr Helen Mayfield is:
Available for supervision

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Available projects

  • Analysing antibodies as indicators for lymphatic filariasis surveillance in Samoa using Bayesian networks.

    Location: UQ CCR, Herston

    Description: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a mosquito-transmitted disease which causes a significant disease burden, particularly in low-income countries. Surveillance plays a crucial role in global elimination efforts, with human antigen being the most widely used indicator. There is evidence however that antibodies may be more sensitive than antigen for detecting changes in infection prevalence. This project will use an established methodology (https://shorturl.at/fqzAP) to design and implement a data-driven Bayesian network model to evaluate the relative utility of different infection markers for detecting signals of transmission in Samoa.

    Expected outcomes and deliverables: The student will develop skills in Bayesian network modelling and an understanding of how data modelling can be applied to operational research in infectious diseases. Deliverables will be a fully parameterised Bayesian network, and a report including a sensitivity analysis and discussion. Upon completion of the project, there will be an opportunity to write up and publish the results as a scientific paper.

    Suitable for: Students with basic epidemiology, good analytical skills and in interest in data science. No previous knowledge of Bayesian networks is assumed.

Supervision history

Current supervision

Enquiries

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communications@uq.edu.au