Courtney Cuinn Murdock

She is a PhD. Associate Professor from the Department of Entomology at Cornell University. Her group applies ecological and evolutionary theory to better understand how pathogens affect measures of host fitness, and to identify key environmental drivers of vector-borne disease transmission. To answer questions within this theme, her group adopts a variety of research frameworks that include laboratory experiments, field studies, and mathematical modelling, and they work across a diversity of host-vector-pathogen systems (e.g., human malaria and arboviruses, dengue and Zika viruses). We are also involved in two malaria vaccine initiatives and a project focusing on increasing male mating capacity to improve the spread of novel mosquito control strategies in the field.

Matthew J. Valentine

After qualifying in 1997 from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Matthew worked as a practising Veterinary Surgeon for 17 years. In, 2014 he furthered his professional development by training to become a Veterinary Anatomic Pathologist at Ross University School Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM), St Kitts and Nevis combined with a PhD, “Investigating Sylvatic Cycles of dengue chikungunya and Zika viruses in the African green monkeys of St. Kitts”. He is currently Assistant Professor at RUSVM and his research involves invasive mosquito surveillance and mosquito borne pathogens.

Mohini Sooklall

Mohini’s love science has massively contributed to her academic and professional path. She pursued studies in BSc. Biology and a diploma in Project management and is currently working in the capacity of Focal Point of the National Medical Entomology Unit at the Vector Control Service, Ministry of Health in Guyana. Understanding the need for collaboration in the fight against vector borne diseases, Mohini participated in various field work, trainings and workshops to better understand vectors and the diseases they transmit. She is committed to making changes in the medical entomology domain. In aspiring to contribute to the field of entomology, she is driven by the famous quote “A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history.” -Mahatma Gandhi.

Henrietta Alexander

Henrietta Alexander, BSc. MPH is currently the Deputy Chief Environmental Health Officer at the Ministry of Health and Social Development in the British Virgin Islands. She is also the Vector Control Unit Manager. With a keen interest in Vector Control, she has begun transforming vector operations in the Territory by adapting new and innovative strategies. She hopes to provide valuable input to CARPHA’s Vector Control Technical Working Group.

Alan Wheeler

After graduating from the University Of North Wales Dr. Wheeler worked as an analytical chemist for 4 years before attending the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. After graduating with a Masters in Medical Entomology he moved to Keele University to complete a Ph.D. on the control of Phlebotomine sand flies. The majority of the Ph.D. was conducted at Universidad De Carabobo in Venezuela. In 2000 Dr. Wheeler joined the Cayman Islands Mosquito Research & Control Unit as a Research Officer and was subsequently promoted to Senior Research Officer, Assistant Director and in 2021 was appointed as Director of the Unit. Dr. Wheeler has worked primarily on the control of Aedes aegypti and Aedes taeniorhynchus.

Francina Bascombe

Francina Bascombe, Chief Environmental Health Officer, Ministry of Health and Wellness, Barbados, journey in Public Health started in September 1985 as a Public Health Inspector (now Environmental Health Officer). She has a BSc Management and Master in Public Health from the University of the West Indies. Her philosophy is that maintaining a healthy environment is critical to the health and well-being of all.

Glenda Etienne- Cepal

Glenda Etienne-Cepal is a graduate of the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica, with a master’s degree in Public Health with a concentration on Health Promotion. Glenda has been a Public Health Officer for the past 10 years, functioning in the Vector Control Unit mobilizing communities to action in the fight against vector borne diseases. In this area, she gets involved in influencing public health policies, develop programs, analyze data to influence decision-making and educate communities on eradicating vectors from homes and communities. One of the most rewarding benefits of being a public health officer is, knowing that you are making a lasting impression to improve society. Glenda gets directly involved in local communities where she can see an immediate impact from her work.