Thein Thein Aye, M.B., B.S., PhD
Scientist
61 3 9418 1114
thein@nrl.gov.au

Thein-Thein obtained a medical degree in 1981 in Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar (Burma). The early part of her career spanned various clinical and research roles at Rangoon General Hospital and at the Department of Medical Research. In 1990, she moved to Tokyo to complete her PhD in Medical Science at the Nihon University School of Medicine. Her thesis topic related to the molecular biology of hepatitis E virus.

Thein-Thein came to Australia in 1994 and became a post-doctoral fellow at the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, performing molecular studies on HBV and HCV. She joined the NRL in 1997 and became the co-ordinator of several external quality assessment schemes (EQAS) for laboratories in Australia and in neighbouring countries. Thein-Thein also worked with other NRL staff to develop quality assurance services for rubella, measles and Chlamydia trachomatis testing.

Thein-Thein now coordinates the International HIV, HCV and HBsAg EQAS and quality control programme for the South-east Asian and Western Pacific regions. In this work, which is supported by the WHO, she acquires samples, distributes panels, analyses results and produces reports. She also communicates with her overseas participants on a regular basis, and gives advice to trouble-shoot testing problems and otherwise to promote the quality of laboratory processes.

Thein-Thein also coordinates the NRL Sample Bank, actively collaborating with the NRL teams and with other laboratories. This role includes overseeing of the acquisition, processing, aliquotting and proper storage and use of samples, and updating records and documentation.

Thein-Thein is fluent in Burmese and Japanese. She enjoys the company of her little daughter, gardening, sewing, drawing, swimming, travelling and photography.