What is your role at LSHTM?
I am a research assistant at the Wassmer lab, led by Dr Sam Wassmer. Our research is focused on combining different approaches, such as neuroimaging and molecular biology, to decipher the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria in children and adult populations.
 

Where are you from?
My hometown is el Camp de Tarragona, a Catalan territory located south of Barcelona. It is known for its delicious Mediterranean fruits and vegetables, as well as for hosting questionably-managed chemical facilities that explode every now and then. Please don't let this discourage you from visiting my homeland, just make sure to fill in the corresponding risk assessment beforehand!
 

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
First a mermaid, then the Weasley brothers' best friend.
 

"When I'm not working, I am…"
Either on stage, performing as an amateur actor, or hiking a mountain. This is currently on hold since I just moved to flat London, so if anybody has recommendations for a good theatre company that is open to new members (does the LSHTM have one, perhaps?) or wants to hike with me in Scotland at some point, I will be most grateful!
 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
"El autoestima hasta el cielo, el perreo hasta el infierno." Reggaeton lovers will know.
 

When and how did you start working on malaria?
My first experience doing research on malaria was at Barcelona's Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal). As a member of the Maternal, Child and Reproductive Health initiative, I worked on the ICARIA trial and MULTIPLY implementation project. Both initiatives aim to evaluate the impact of preventive treatments on child survival in three African countries with high mortality and malaria burden: Sierra Leone (ICARIA, MULTIPLY), Togo and Mozambique (MULTIPLY). I was based in Sierra Leone most of the time, where I enjoyed spicy local food and a P. falciparum infection. That was not included in my field tasks, it just happened, please do not think badly of ISGlobal.
 

What's your favourite place?
Definitely the sea, I find peace in going back to my roots and clearing up my mind as my feet soak in the Mediterranean. I am a big fan of Karen Blixen's quote: "The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea."
 

What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Overthinker, warm, and theatrical.