Dr Helmini Jayarathne holds a PhD in Chemistry from La Trobe University (2024), with a specialisation in electroanalytical chemistry and chemical sensor development. In 2025, she commences her role as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Australian Research Council Industrial Transformation Research Hub for Molecular Biosensors at Point-of-Use (MOBIUS), La Trobe University.

Her doctoral work involves the design, development, and validation of electrochemical analytical methods for the quantitative determination of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) in beverages, particularly wine, addressing a recognised analytical challenge in the wine industry. This work contributes to the development of practical, real-time analytical solutions for quality control and is progressing towards industry application and commercialisation.

In her current role, Dr Jayarathne performs qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis using advanced electrochemical instrumentation, including potentiostat-based systems, and develops tailored electroanalytical methodologies for complex chemical systems. She applies a wide range of electroanalytical techniques, including cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, square wave voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, anodic stripping voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and Fourier transform alternating current voltammetry (FTACV), to support analytical testing and characterisation of chemical analytes.

Her work includes the development, optimisation, and validation of analytical methods and sensing platforms for the detection and quantitative determination of analytes in complex matrices, including food and biological samples. Analytical performance is systematically evaluated and benchmarked against established techniques such as titration, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS).

Dr Jayarathne also utilises complementary analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, and molecular fluorescence spectroscopy, to enhance chemical characterisation, data validation, and analytical accuracy.

In addition, she contributes to the development of analytical measurement systems through the integration of microfluidic components and the application of microfabrication techniques, including laser cutting and 3D printing, supporting the advancement of portable and field-deployable analytical technologies.

She maintains comprehensive documentation of analytical procedures, experimental data, and validated results, and prepares detailed technical reports outlining methodologies, data interpretation, and analytical outcomes in accordance with scientific and quality standards.

Her work focuses on the application of analytical chemistry to environmental monitoring, healthcare diagnostics, and industrial quality control, with an emphasis on developing sensitive, reliable, and scalable analytical solutions for real-world applications.