What is your role at LSHTM?
I am Assistant Professor of molecular epidemiology in the department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious Diseases

Tell us about a project you are currently working on?
My projects focus on understanding mechanisms of antimalarial drug resistance and diagnostic resistance through the development of fit-for-purpose molecular tools. Other projects include surveillance of antimalarial and diagnostic resistant malaria parasite to inform public health policy. Current projects include surveillance of markers of sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine resistance in two states in Nigeria using high throughput NGS technology to assist in the implementation of IPTi program. I am also assisting countries in AFRO and EMRO region, in collaboration with WHO, to survey malaria parasites that evade RDT detection due to the deletion of key proteins that are recognized by the RDT. Recently, I started working as a genotyping lead of a large IPTi-plus study to identify Plasmodium falciparum variants resistant to SP and assess their impact on the effectiveness and efficacy of SP. I am also conducting research on COVID-19 genomic epidemiology.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A person who makes a difference in the lives of other people – For that reason, I wanted to be a clinician.

Where are you from?
Originally from Eritrea but I have been living in the UK for more than 20 years. I am now Eritrean-British or African-British.

What three words would you use to describe yourself?
People close to me say I am considerate, optimist and determined

What's your favourite place?
West Africa – where I travelled most for research.

"When I'm not working, I am…"
Spending time with family and friends, exploring new places, as well as playing football.

If you had to eat one thing for every meal going forward, what would you eat?
Falafel wrap if an Eritrean cuisine is not available!