Michael Mendy
Banjul
Summary
Research-oriented Scientific Officer with extensive experience in entomology, malaria research, molecular laboratory techniques, and vector surveillance at the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia (MRCG) at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. Experienced in both laboratory and field-based research involving mosquito vectors, malaria parasite culture, molecular diagnostics, and vector-borne disease surveillance. Strong interest in vector ecology, arthropod-borne diseases, and public health research.
Overview
2
2
Certifications
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Scientific Officer – Malaria Population Biology Laboratory
Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at LSHTM
06.2022 - Current
- Conducted malaria parasite culture, including asexual and gametocyte stages, to support research objectives.
- Conduct multiplexing assays and support malaria genomic surveillance projects.
- Conduct malaria parasite culture including asexual and gametocyte culture.
- Compiled laboratory data and prepared reports and presentations to communicate findings and inform stakeholders.
- Trained and supervised laboratory technicians and junior staff to enhance team capabilities and ensure quality standards.
Scientific Officer – Entomology Laboratory
Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at LSHTM
05.2019 - 05.2022
- Executed insecticide susceptibility testing and mosquito bioassays to assess effectiveness of control measures.
- Conducted direct membrane feeding assays (DMFA) and ex-flagellation assays.
- Carried out qPCR and RT-qPCR for entomological and parasitological samples.
- Performed qPCR and RT-qPCR on entomological and parasitological samples to enhance disease vector identification.
- Assisted in field vector surveillance by collecting mosquito samples.
Trainee Scientific Officer – Entomology Laboratory
Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at LSHTM
12.2018 - 05.2019
- Maintained mosquito colonies to ensure availability for malaria transmission studies.
- Performed mosquito dissections and oocyst identification.
- Performed mosquito dissections for accurate oocyst identification, contributing to research outcomes.
- Supported laboratory management through effective stock maintenance and organization.
Health Education Officer
Gunjur Project Association
10.2017 - 12.2018
- Led community health education and awareness activities to engage residents and promote healthy behaviors.
- Prepared comprehensive reports and coordinated health outreach activities to enhance community participation.
- Partnered with community organizations to implement public health interventions and improve access to health resources.
Education
Master's - Global Health (Part-time)
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM)
United Kingdom01-2021
Bachelor of Science - Public and Environmental Health
University of The Gambia
Banjul, The Gambia01-2018
Skills
Mosquito colony maintenance
Vector surveillance and mosquito collection
Insecticide susceptibility testing
Malaria parasite culture
Direct membrane feeding assays (DMFA)
Research
- Scientific Officer – Malaria Population Biology Laboratory, Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at LSHTM, 2022-06-01, Present, Conduct malaria parasite culture including asexual and gametocyte culture., Perform qPCR and RT-qPCR assays for molecular diagnosis and parasite detection., Conduct multiplexing assays and support malaria genomic surveillance projects., Compile laboratory data and prepare reports and presentations., Train and supervise laboratory technicians and junior staff.
- Scientific Officer – Entomology Laboratory, Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at LSHTM, 2019-05-01, 2022-05-01, Conducted insecticide susceptibility testing and mosquito bioassays., Performed mosquito dissections and vector sample processing., Conducted direct membrane feeding assays (DMFA) and ex-flagellation assays., Carried out qPCR and RT-qPCR for entomological and parasitological samples., Supported field vector surveillance and mosquito collection activities.
- Trainee Scientific Officer – Entomology Laboratory, Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia, 2018-12-01, 2019-05-01, Maintained mosquito colonies for malaria transmission studies., Participated in transmission-blocking experiments and CHMI studies., Performed mosquito dissections and oocyst identification., Supported laboratory management and stock maintenance.
Research Interests
- Vector ecology and vector-borne diseases
- Medical and veterinary entomology
- Arthropod surveillance and disease transmission
- Molecular diagnostics and malaria research
- Mosquito ecology and insecticide resistance
- Emerging and re-emerging vector-borne diseases
Laboratory And Field Skills
- Mosquito colony maintenance
- Vector surveillance and mosquito collection
- Insecticide susceptibility testing
- Malaria parasite culture
- Direct membrane feeding assays (DMFA)
- Microscopy and mosquito dissections
- QPCR and RT-qPCR
- Molecular diagnostics
- Data analysis and laboratory documentation
- SPSS, NVivo, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Certification
Biobanking and Data Management Training MRCG@LSHTM 14 TO 19
Conferences And Training
- Training in molecular laboratory techniques including qPCR and RT-qPCR
- Training in malaria parasite culture and mosquito vector surveillance
- Experience in entomological field research and insecticide susceptibility testing
- Research presentations and scientific reporting at MRCG@LSHTM
Personal Information
Nationality: Gambian
Timeline
Genomic Surveillance of Malaria,MRCG@LSHTM
04-2026
Biobanking and Data Management Training MRCG@LSHTM 14 TO 19
07-2025
Scientific Officer – Malaria Population Biology Laboratory
Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at LSHTM
06.2022 - Current
Scientific Officer – Entomology Laboratory
Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at LSHTM
05.2019 - 05.2022
Trainee Scientific Officer – Entomology Laboratory
Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at LSHTM
12.2018 - 05.2019
Health Education Officer
Gunjur Project Association
10.2017 - 12.2018
Bachelor of Science - Public and Environmental Health
University of The Gambia
Master's - Global Health (Part-time)
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM)
Publications
- Maintaining Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte infectivity during blood collection and transport for mosquito feeding assays in the field., Malaria Journal, 2021-01-01
- Persistence of legacy antimalarial resistance markers in The Gambia from a malaria genomic surveillance study., Research Square, 2026-01-01
- Infectivity of patent Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte carriers to mosquitoes: establishing capacity to investigate the infectious reservoir of malaria in a low-transmission setting in The Gambia., Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2021-01-01