Dr. Helena Petrosova

Dr. Helena Petrosova is an Assistant Professor in the School of Molecular Life Sciences and a Group Leader at the University of Victoria Genome BC Proteomics Centre. Academic credentials include a BSc, an MSc, and a PhD from the Masaryk University, Czech Republic.

Research Interests

Dr. Petrosova studies how small molecules shape the progression and outcomes of disease. Her laboratory develops mass spectrometry imaging techniques to visualize lipids and metabolites in situ and integrates the resulting molecular maps with proteomics and histology. A major focus is host–pathogen interactions, particularly how host and bacterial lipids mediate immune responses, disease pathology, and microbial persistence. Her research also characterizes metabolic heterogeneity within tumors and, in collaboration with cancer biologists, examines its relationship with immune dysfunction in cancer. By mapping molecular responses to infection and disease and linking them to biological function, this research aims to reveal molecular targets for improved diagnostics and therapies.