What is your role at LSHTM?
I'm an Assistant Professor in the Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious Tropical Diseases. 

Tell us about a project you are currently working on?
We just finished a trial about how different interventions targeting the human reservoir of infections would reduce malaria transmission in the Gambia. Another component of this study is to assess the relative infectivity of symptomatic and asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infections in the same area. Recently, and in collaboration with Virginia Tech (USA), we have started a project examining the arbovirus circulation and diversity of mosquito vectors across habitats in The Gambia. 

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I think I wanted to be a Vet. I’ve always loved animals and I guess that’s why ended up studying Biology and specializing in Zoology. Later, I discovered how fascinating are insects and focused most of my career studying them. 

Where are you from?
I am from Spain, but I have spent about one third of my life between several places in Africa, US, and South America, most of them related to my research subject.  

What three words to describe you?
Optimistic, persevering, and easy-going. 

Favourite place?
The first thing that comes to mind is the Amazon rainforest, a place that never ceases to amaze me.  

"When I'm not working, I am…"
Exploring new places and trying different foods, in the park picnicking with family and friends, reading detective novels, doing yoga and hiking (not as often as I would like). 

One meal?
This is a very hard question! I would say cheese, any kind. But there are many meals that occurs to me – serrano ham, Peruvian ceviche, tacos,…and the list keep growing!