Employing institution: University of Douala
Host institution: University of Glasgow
Project title:
Development of a malaria transmission model to evaluate the impact of new vector control tools based on nanoparticles synthetized by using aqueous plant extracts.
Dr Agnes started her career as a MSC student working with the ecology of malaria and dengue vectors, which inspired me to a pursue a PhD developing alternative vector control tools based on plant-mediated metabolites. Since April 2023 she has worked as an assistant professor at the University of Douala.
AREF Fellowship research project
Vector control with insecticides has been instrumental in reducing malaria cases and deaths over the last decades, but mosquitoes have now developed resistance against these widespread chemicals. This created the urgent need for alternative tools.
In this fellowship, Dr Agnes will investigate the impact of zinc oxide nanoparticles extracted from local plants e.g. Psidium guajava, Ocimum basilicum and Moringa oleifera on malaria mosquito larvae survival and fitness. For this, she will perform laboratory assays to develop survival analysis and an epidemiological model. Achieving these aims will enable her to develop a framework to evaluate the impact of these innovative bioinsecticides as complementary tools against malaria, and assist in dissemination of data analysis skills that are in high demand in Cameroon. Following her fellowship, she will share her knowledge and skills gained to her team which includes master’s and PhD students, to strengthen their potential. She will also disseminate her outcomes through workshops with my colleagues of my institution.
Quote
“Given that a lot of research generates similar types of data, I will be well positioned to support students and peers working in data analysis.”
Dr Agnes expects to start her fellowship in September 2024