Employing (Home) Organisation: Institut Pasteur de
Bangui
Project title: Transcriptome changes associated with biting behaviour in Anopheles gambiae s.l. in Bangui, Central African Republic: Identification of candidate diurnal-biting genes and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs).
I am a biomedical researcher specializing in medical entomology at Institut Pasteur de Bangui
(Central African Republic). With a doctorate in Biomedical Sciences (2021) and advanced training
at Institut Pasteur Paris, my work focuses on malaria vector ecology, insecticide resistance, and
novel control strategies. Leading projects like STOP-MATING (Horizon-MSCA) and studying
mosquito microbiota, I address critical gaps in malaria transmission dynamics. Inspired by
collaborative mentors like Dr. Carine Ngoagouni and the urgent need for sustainable vector
control in Central Africa, my research aims to mitigate malaria’s burden through innovative,
community-centered solutions.
Summary of Project Destination
Malaria remains a critical health burden in Central Africa, driven by residual transmission from
Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes biting outdoors and during daytime, evading insecticide-treated
nets. My research seeks to identify transcriptomic changes and genetic variants (SNPs) linked to
diurnal biting behavior in Bangui, CAR. During my fellowship, I will gain expertise in RNA
sequencing and light manipulation assays to analyze gene expression under controlled
conditions. Post-fellowship, I will transfer these skills to my team at Institut Pasteur de Bangui,
establish RNAseq protocols, and develop targeted interventions. By elucidating molecular drivers
of biting behavior, my work aims to inform novel vector control tools (e.g., daytime-specific
strategies), reducing gaps in protection and accelerating malaria elimination in high-transmission
urban settings
Summary of Fellowship Plan
I will undertake a 6-month placement at Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD), Senegal, mentored by Dr.
Carlo Costantini and Dr. Ibrahima Dia. I will gain expertise in RNA sequencing, light manipulation
assays, bioinformatics, and advanced biostatistics. Post-fellowship, Institut Pasteur de Bangui (IPB)
will provide lab infrastructure (e.g., sequencers) and personnel to replicate protocols, establish
SOPs, and integrate findings into malaria control strategies. IPB will also support grant
applications (e.g., Gates Foundation) to fund RNAseq facilities and sustain innovations.
Mentorship from IPD and IPB ensures long-term collaboration, skill transfer, and local capacity
building.
Quote
“This fellowship bridges critical gaps in malaria control by decoding daytime-biting vectors,
empowering us to design innovative tools that protect communities when bed nets cannot”
Dr. Claire expects to start his fellowship in October 2025