Employing (Home) Organisation: Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST)
Project title: Revealing the hidden diversity and vector potential of a novel An. gambiae lineage from the far west of Africa
My research career began at icipe, Kenya as a doctoral student focusing on chemical ecology of malaria vectors. This, laid the foundation for my long term interest in vector biology and disease transmission. After my doctorate, I joined the University as a faculty member before moving to MRC@LSHTM, The Gambia for Post-doctoral training. There, I worked on genomics of malaria vectors under the mentorship of Prof. Alfred Ngwa, whose guidance and support were instrumental in my application for this award.
Summary of Project Destination
Members of the Anopheles gambiae complex–primary malaria vectors in Afrotropical region–are morphologically similar yet genetically divergent, displaying varying competency to malaria parasites and response to control measures, potentially hindering elimination efforts. Characterizing newly identified species can help clarify their role in malaria spread and inform vector control interventions. My research seeks to unravel the bionomics and parasite competency of a novel An. gambiae lineage. I will employ various molecular and genomic tools available at MRC@LSHTM and UCAD to understand its biology and ecology. The findings will inform new ways to tackle malaria transmission. Besides, I will leverage on the skills gained during placement to advance research on malaria transmission and antimalarial drug resistance surveillance through the mosquitoes.
Summary of Fellowship Plan
I will begin my placement at MRC@LSHTM, The Gambia under the mentorship of Prof. Amambua-Ngwa before proceeding to UCAD, Senegal to work in Dr. Niang laboratory. This structured placement will allow me to strengthen my skills in molecular biology and vector genomics, as well as research leadership and grant writing. My home university has provided laboratory space for insectary and molecular biology work: I aim to develop it, to fully operation research facility by applying the expertise gained during placement.
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“I’m optimistic that these placements will help answer critical questions about the diversity of emerging vectors and their significance for malaria control in Africa. ”
Proposed start date of the Fellowship is December 2026