What is your role at LSHTM / MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM / MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, and what does it involve?

I am an Assistant Professor at LSHTM. I have just finished working on a project that explored the long-term health outcomes of children who have survived Group B Streptococcus (GBS), a type of bacteria that is one of the main causes of meningitis in babies.

Alongside this I’ve been working on the EN-REACH project which is assessing the acceptability and effectiveness of a disability-inclusive school readiness package delivered to parents and their children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). I’m also working on a third project that aims to better understand the dynamics of caesarean section procedures in the private health sector.

How long have you worked here (and what was your previous job)?

I joined LSHTM in May 2018, so I have been here for over 4 years. Prior to this job, I was completing my DrPH at University of Pittsburgh in Epidemiology, with my research focused on cervical cancer prevention. Before returning to academia, I worked as a Reproductive Health Program Officer at PATH, providing technical assistance to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine introduction.

Where are you from?

Voorhees, New Jersey, USA.

Tell us about a project you’re currently working on?

I just finished coordinating a multi-country study that explored the long-term health outcomes of children who have survived GBS in LMICs. While most babies will recover from GBS without serious after-effects, some can experience serious complications such as meningitis.

With our in-country partners in Argentina, India, Kenya, Mozambique, and South Africa, we followed-up children who had invasive GBS disease in early infancy and assessed their growth and neurodevelopment. The children, who are now 3-18 years old, had their motor skills, cognition, hearing and vision assessed.

Since the assessments used in each of the sites were based on child’s age, cultural appropriateness, validation or instrument for their population, and technical capacity, we had to develop a framework which allowed us to combine the various neurodevelopmental outcomes across the sites. These findings are being used to understand the full disease burden of GBS and the public health impact a maternal GBS vaccine could have on reducing meningitis. I’ve also had an opportunity to contribute to the taskforce for the Defeating Meningitis by 2030 Global Road Map, the first global roadmap that sets forth a vision and strategy to defeat meningitis by 2030. 

What is a typical day for you?

Usually have a few meetings with colleagues, usually over Zoom, but have been trying to schedule more in-person meetings. We are currently developing a data collection app for the EN-REACH project, so I have been testing the interface, ensuring that both the front and back ends of the app are working.  Alongside this I also write, analyse data and teach.

What three words would you use to describe your role?

Busy, collaborative, varied.

What is your favourite thing about working here?

I enjoy the people that I work with, especially our in-country partners.

“When I’m not working I am…”

I like spending time with my family and friends, especially chasing after my kids (aged 6 and 2). I also love dancing.

Can you tell us the best career advice you’ve ever been given?

Very early on, I had someone advise me to not get too caught up with findings the exact “perfect” job, because you never know how these experiences will shape you and help you further down in your career. I have always remembered that and stayed open to any opportunities that have come my way.

Proudest career achievement?

Finishing my DrPH, because it was a difficult decision for me to decide to quit my job and go back to full-time education. It wasn’t easy, with lots of unexpected twists and turns, but it was such a relief when I finished and I am proud of the work I did (and I managed to finish before my daughter was born!)

How does being a member of MARCH support your work?

My research interests fit nicely within all three MARCH themes. MARCH allows me to connect with other researchers, exchanges ideas and learn from each other.

Why is World Meningitis Day important?

Meningitis is an important public health issue, with an estimated 2.5 million cases occurring worldwide each year. World Meningitis Day is a great way to bring the global community together to raise awareness of meningitis, especially the efforts of prevention, diagnosis and treatment, and the support and after-care needed for families and survivors.

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