Research scientist, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, Cameroon
🧬 Dr. Magellan Tchouakui is a Cameroonian research scientist at the Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID) and a Wellcome Trust Early-Career Fellow in Infection and Immunobiology at CRID/Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM). Having completed his Ph.D. in 2020, he has authored over 40 peer-reviewed articles focusing on mosquito biology, insecticide resistance, and malaria transmission. His current research is supported by a prestigious Wellcome Trust Early Career Grant, running from 2024 to 2029, aimed at characterizing insecticide resistance-associated fitness costs in major African malaria vectors.
Profile
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Strengths for the Award
- Research Excellence and Innovation:
- Dr. Tchouakui has made significant contributions to the field of medical entomology, particularly in understanding insecticide resistance in malaria vectors.
- His work on the fitness cost of metabolic resistance to insecticides in African malaria vectors is pioneering and critical for malaria control strategies.
- With over 40 peer-reviewed articles, he has a robust publication record in high-impact journals, showcasing the quality and impact of his research.
- Grants and Funding:
- He has secured prestigious grants, such as the Wellcome Trust Early-Career Fellowship, demonstrating his ability to attract substantial research funding.
- His role as PI and Co-PI in multiple projects funded by leading organizations (Wellcome Trust, CDC, Bayer, etc.) indicates strong leadership and project management skills.
- Professional Development and Contribution:
- Dr. Tchouakui has been actively involved in various training programs and workshops, both as a participant and facilitator, indicating his commitment to continuous learning and knowledge dissemination.
- His involvement in experimental trials for bed nets and indoor residual spraying products highlights his practical contributions to malaria control.
- Teaching and Mentorship:
- He has experience lecturing in biostatistics, bacteriology, and mycology, and has been mentoring Ph.D. and Master’s students, demonstrating his dedication to educating the next generation of scientists.
- Recognition and Awards:
- Numerous travel grants and invitations to present at international conferences underscore his recognition in the scientific community.
- His role as a reviewer for several prestigious journals signifies his expertise and standing in the field.
- Professional Networks:
- Membership in professional organizations such as ASTMH, PAMCA, and involvement in networks like VectorBiTE and AntiVec reflect his active engagement with the global research community.
Areas for Improvement
- Diversity of Research Focus:
- While Dr. Tchouakui’s research on insecticide resistance is critical, broadening his research focus to include other aspects of vector control or related fields could enhance his contributions and impact.
- Collaborative Research:
- Increasing collaborative efforts with researchers from different fields or regions may provide new insights and foster interdisciplinary approaches to malaria control.
- Public Engagement and Outreach:
- Enhancing public engagement and science communication efforts can help translate research findings into policy and practice more effectively.
- Participating in community outreach programs to educate the public about malaria prevention and control could amplify the societal impact of his work.
- Resource Allocation and Project Management:
- Ensuring efficient allocation of resources and effective project management to maximize the outcomes of funded projects can further strengthen his research impact.
Education
🎓 Dr. Tchouakui holds a Ph.D. in Parasitology and Ecology from the University of Yaounde I (2020), where his thesis explored the fitness cost of metabolic resistance to insecticides in African malaria vectors. He also earned a Master of Science (MSc) in 2015 and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in 2012 from the same university.
Experience
🔬 Dr. Tchouakui began his postdoctoral research at CRID under a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation project, focusing on identifying markers of resistance to novel insecticides. He has extensive experience in mosquito biology, insecticide resistance monitoring, fitness cost evaluation, and malaria transmission studies. Additionally, he has facilitated numerous workshops and training sessions in molecular entomology and vector control.
Research Interest
🔍 Dr. Tchouakui’s research interests include studying the genetic and molecular mechanisms of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors, evaluating the efficacy of vector control tools, and investigating the fitness costs associated with resistance. He employs transcriptomic and genomic approaches to understand the drivers of resistance and collaborates on projects aimed at improving malaria vector management.
Awards
🏆 Dr. Tchouakui has received several travel grants to attend and present at international conferences, including the 3rd International Conference on Public Health in Africa (2023) and the 72nd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (2023). He is also a reviewer for multiple scientific journals.
Publications Top Notes
📚 Dr. Tchouakui has published numerous impactful research papers. Here are some of his key publications:
Cytochrome P450 metabolic resistance (CYP6P9a) to pyrethroids imposes a fitness cost in the major African malaria vector Anopheles funestus (Heredity, 2020) – Cited by 621
Combined over-expression of two cytochrome P450 genes exacerbates the fitness cost of pyrethroid resistance in the major African malaria vector Anopheles funestus (Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology, 2021) – Cited by 632
A 6.5kb Intergenic Structural Variation Exacerbates the Fitness Cost of P450-Based Metabolic Resistance in the Major African Malaria Vector Anopheles funestus (Genes, 2022) – Cited by 626
Fitness Costs of the Glutathione S-Transferase Epsilon 2 (L119F-GSTe2) Mediated Metabolic Resistance to Insecticides in the Major African Malaria Vector Anopheles funestus (Genes, 2018) – Cited by 645
A marker of glutathione S-transferase-mediated resistance to insecticides is associated with higher Plasmodium infection in the African malaria vector Anopheles funestus (Scientific Reports, 2019) – Cited by 5772
Conclusion
Dr. Magellan Tchouakui is a highly accomplished researcher whose work has significantly advanced our understanding of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors. His extensive publication record, successful grant acquisitions, and active participation in professional development activities make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. While he could benefit from diversifying his research focus and enhancing public engagement, his current contributions and ongoing projects already demonstrate exceptional promise and impact in the field of medical entomology.