What is your role at MRC Gambia?

  Postdoctoral Fellow.

Tell us a bit about your current project.

My current work is focused on technology development where I will establish and apply single-cell sequencing and long-read sequencing to elucidate host-parasite interactions in malaria and infectious pathogens. Single-cell sequencing enables the investigation of gene expression and genetic variants at the individual cell level, providing extensive information about how different cells respond to and interact with the pathogen. Long-read sequencing generates longer DNA or RNA sequences, which aids in understanding complicated genomic areas and transcriptome variations. Together, the use of these methods can provide more knowledge on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning host-parasite interactions.

What were your childhood aspirations? 

 Growing up in a rural area, I was fascinated by vector-borne diseases which were an integral part of our lives. Noting the physical deformities of some of the diseases in the population as well as the health challenges that came with the diseases heightened my interest and intent to help. I cannot say, in all honesty, that I had a definite sense of the profession that I would eventually pursue, nevertheless, I was certain that I would be involved in both the fights against any of these diseases and general health improvement. Having moved on with my studies, what began as a childlike fascination transformed into an obsession with the study of molecular cell biology. The history of how I got involved with vector-borne diseases prepared me well for the evolution of my current discipline. Today, having garnered a deep knowledge of the molecular cell biology of infectious diseases, the fight that I am involved in is understanding one of these vector-borne diseases (malaria) at a molecular level. The desires I harboured in childhood directed my choices and still remains in me bolstering and making me determined to alleviate disease morbidities and mortalities.

What three words describe you?

  Ambitious, curious, determined.

Beyond work, what are your hobbies and interests?

  Dancing, listening to sentimental music, cooking, and caring for children.

What’s next?

  As a first-year postdoctoral fellow, I am eager to develop research projects and seek grant opportunities in the field of malaria. My goal is to make a meaningful contribution to advancing the fight against this disease.