What is your role at MRCG?

I am the Facility Manager of the Vector Biology and Malaria laboratory at MRCG. I oversee the work on the platform across the different areas of molecular diagnostics, serology, microscopy, parasite culture and entomology. My team consists of approximately 15 staff and students, and I co-manage the Malaria population Biology group. My background is in entomology, and I supervise the entomology section and the work going on in the mosquito insectary.

Tell us a bit about your current project?

I manage multiple projects at a time especially external projects from collaborators. I am working on the implementation of new malaria diagnostic tools to reduce the costs of assays on the platform in collaboration with multinational companies. One of the projects I am working on currently is a clinical trial called SERVAL which is a mass vaccination project using the R21, which is the first for the Gambia. For this project, I oversee the laboratory aspects including microscopy, safety, and molecular diagnostics. I am also working on mosquitoes’ insecticide resistance: characterisation, different types and mechanism, behaviour resistance and genetic diversity, and residual malaria transmission.

What were your childhood aspirations?

This may surprise you, but I wasn't at all destined to go to school and even less to do science. Everything was geared up for me to become a religious leader and unfortunately when our Quranic teacher (Islamic scholar) passed away, I was sent back home for the time to find a new Quranic school and because I was so turbulent, my mum decided to send me to the French school so that she could at least rest during this period. That's why I went to school at the age of 11 and have stayed there ever since.

What three words describe you?

Calm, open, dedicated.

Which words or phrases do you overuse?

I need someone reliable.

I need someone who gives results on time.

I need someone serious.

Who do idolise and why?

Dr Christian Boudin, a great entomo-epidemiologist who is now retired, is my idol. He taught me to think science, to write science and to feel science. He taught me almost everything and our relationship was too strong. We spent entire nights in his office and also in the field. He's like a father to me.

Beyond work, what are your hobbies and interests?

I enjoy watching football, especially the UEFA Champions League.