What do you do at LSHTM MRC Gambia?

I am the manager of the Microbiology Laboratories and a part-time Ph.D. student working on the ‘Epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance and genomics of bacterial causing invasive disease in The Gambia.’ 

Tell us a bit about your career history

I joined the MRCG@LSHTM straight from High School in 1999 as a laboratory technician. I earned a Diploma in Biomedical Sciences in 2004 through distance-based learning with the University of Westminster, then was granted a scholarship in 2008 to study BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science and graduated with a 2:1 in 2011. I returned to The Gambia to take up a supervisory role for routine diagnostics in the Microbiology Labs at MRCG@LSHTM. I served in this role for a decade and have recently been appointed as a lab manager. In the past seven years, I gained significant research skills while completing an MPhil degree at the Open University. My thesis won the recent AMR Centre student prize. I also completed an online MSc in Healthcare Management with Unicaf to reinforce my management skills. 

What has been your research focus? 

My research has harnessed routine data in human disease using phenotypic, molecular, and microbial genomics as a surveillance tool for monitoring pathogen trends and AMR burden, which is the focus of my Ph.D. My work demonstrates how using microbiological surveillance data can be harnessed by LMICs for tracking and timely reporting. I have also facilitated the coordination of multiple stakeholders, including microbiologists, clinicians, and other health practitioners, to improve AMR stewardship in the Gambia. I am passionate about strengthening diagnostic microbiological capabilities and building strong networks and collaborations, locally and internationally. Also, I have taken a keen interest in laboratory surveillance through monitoring unusual trends with a focus on AMR research. I am keen on training staff and students in practical skills and assessing competencies in identification and antimicrobial susceptibility. 

What does a typical day look like for you?

I am responsible for managing the Research Microbiology Lab, Tuberculosis Diagnostics and Research Labs, and the Central Media Preparation Unit. My day starts at 07:30 am, catching up on emails and reviewing priority tasks for the day. Urgent tasks are prioritized, and these tasks change on a day-to-day basis. Every Monday, I meet with my team to review their tasks and set new priorities for the new week. Then, I head to the labs to oversee their progress and ensure the proper implementation and adherence to the quality management system and occupational health and safety standards.   
Why did you join the AMR Centre?

Having more than 15 years of microbiological, managerial, and research experience, I joined the centre as part of the students and researchers at MRC Gambia. Having a passion for networking and collaborating with scientists in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams, I was fortunate to be selected as the PhD Student Representative in September. Being the student representative allows me to share my AMR diagnostic knowledge and support the student members to enhance their studying experience and networking opportunities in nationwide and international events. 

What are some highlights of the year so far? 

In May 2022, I proudly jointly won the AMR Centre’s student prize for my work on Genomic diversity and antimicrobial resistance among non-typhoidal Salmonella associated with human disease in The Gambia. 

Additionally, in 2022, the centre acknowledged my work at MRC Gambia at LSHTM and contributed a beneficiary fund to support the whole genome sequencing of my invasive E. coli isolates required for my Ph.D. studies. I also won conference registration funding, so was able to showcase my work at several conferences in Canada and the United States of America.

Can you tell us more about your experiences at the conferences?

At the American Society of Microbiology (ASM) Microbe Conference in Washington, DC, I presented my poster on “Implementing an antibiogram profile to aid rational antimicrobial therapy and improving infection prevention in an urban hospital in the Gambia; strategies and lessons for LMICs”. This study highlights the process used to develop an antibiogram to monitor resistance at a secondary-level health facility to aid empirical clinical decision-making. The conference allowed me to present my work and widen my knowledge by attending the ‘Antimicrobial Agents and Resistance’ and ‘Clinical and Public Health Microbiology’ tracks. I was especially keen on themes around AMR and had the privilege of learning about the microbiome. I also met with the African Initiative Group at ASM and joined the ASM Young Ambassadors. 

At the 12th International Symposium on Pneumococci and Pneumococcal Diseases (ISPPD) conference in Toronto, Canada, I presented my work on “Antimicrobial resistance and prevalence of community-acquired invasive pneumococcal disease 2016 to 2019; hospital-based surveillance.” Despite the introduction of vaccines in the Gambia, invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) remains a leading cause of bacteraemia. Notwithstanding, the prevalence of IPD declined due to vaccine success. However, multidrug resistance, including emerging penicillin resistance, was warranting surveillance. The ISPPD conference in Toronto was filled with great scientific discussions. I was fascinated with how vaccine development targeting age groups decreased pneumococcal disease and inadvertently AMR.   

Both conferences were insightful, and I had the opportunity to present my research findings on AMR and network with more established senior researchers in the field.

What is your aim as PhD Student representative? 

Being the Country Ambassador to the Gambia for the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, AMR Insight Ambassador Network, and co-founder of Africa Women in Science, I am really excited to take on my next role and support the AMR Centre to raise global awareness on AMR and contribute to the fight while voicing the people in Africa.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

My twin daughters were born, whilst studying for my undergraduate degree, and I pulled through on time! They are thirteen now. Few people believed in me back then, but through determination, grit, and multitasking, everything is possible.

What would your advice be to fellow PhD candidates?

Being focused, resilient and believing in your true potential. Knowing and accepting that failures are part of the journey is key. I have failed several times! What is paramount is to surround yourself with the right people who will support you in the process. Get the right mentors and collaborators.