I am a veterinary molecular epidemiologist and laboratory leader with over 18 years of experience in biomedical research, molecular diagnostics, and laboratory management. I currently manage the Molecular Diagnostics Platform (MDx) at MRCG@LSHTM, The Gambia, where I lead a multidisciplinary team supporting high-quality molecular testing, translational research, and capacity strengthening initiatives.

My research interests focus on respiratory virus surveillance, emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, molecular assay development, and the application of advanced diagnostic technologies to improve disease detection and public health response. I have experience in molecular diagnostics, including real-time PCR, multiplex respiratory pathogen detection, genomic surveillance approaches, and laboratory quality management systems.

As head of the MDx Platform, I oversee the delivery of diagnostic services across multiple research programmes and Clinical Services Department, ensuring compliance with international quality standards, including ISO 15189 accreditation. I lead initiatives in laboratory innovation, assay implementation, biosafety, quality improvement, staff development, and strengthening diagnostic capacity.

I have contributed to numerous infectious disease research programmes, including studies on respiratory viruses, pandemic preparedness, and pathogen surveillance. My work has resulted in more than 88 scientific outputs, including over 55peer-reviewed publications, and has contributed to advancing understanding of respiratory virus epidemiology and transmission dynamics in our settings.

I am passionate about developing laboratory systems, mentoring the next generation of laboratory scientists, and bridging the gap between research innovation and clinical/public health application.