What is your role at LSHTM?
I am an Associate Professor of medical entomology in the Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Infectious Diseases. 

Tell us a bit about a project that you are currently working on?
I am based overseas in Benin where I lead a large collaborative research programme between LSHTM and the Centre de Recherche Entomologique de Cotonou of the Ministry of Health in Benin (CREC/LSHTM), implementing a portfolio of projects aimed at developing new insecticide tools for improving the control of insecticide resistant malaria vector populations across Africa. I am currently running a couple of community randomised controlled trials investigating the efficacy and durability of a new generation of insecticide treated nets and a new long-lasting indoor residual spraying insecticide formulation. I also work with several industry partners to support them in their vector control product development process.

When and how did you start working on malaria?
I started working on malaria about 18 years ago while studying in my home country in Cameroon. It was very clear to me early in my career that malaria was a major public health problem in most African countries and having personally suffered from the disease several times, I made up my mind to contribute to fighting malaria at a global level. 

Where are you from?
I am originally from the English-speaking part of Cameroon. I have however spent extended periods of life in the UK for my postgraduate studies and in Benin where I currently perform my research. 

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Growing up I really just wanted to be a scientist or a medical doctor. I was very good in science subjects especially Mathematics and Physics but I found more passion in the Biology and chemistry fields. 

What’s your favourite place?
This is hard to say! I feel connected to many different places and have great memories of them and the people I met or worked with. I like; London - I learnt a lot here, Canada - very nice people, Benin - very hard-working and honorable people, Nigeria - very friendly and confident people, South Africa - love the diversity; the list could go on.

‘When I’m not working, I am…’
Playing with my kids, watching great movies, visiting new fun places etc 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
The secret to happiness is progress! Aim at something meaningful and challenging and continue to make progress towards achieving it.