Meet the Young Scientists of Target Malaria: Rogers Atugonza

What do you do with Target Malaria, and what do you enjoy about your work? 

As a Field Entomology Officer with Target Malaria at the Uganda Virus Research Institute, I focus on collecting both adult and larval stages of Anopheles species from various study sites. This role provides me with invaluable insights into mosquito dynamics, including biting patterns, lifecycle durations, and breeding habitats. Through this work, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with different stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams, enhancing my leadership and management skills. This experience not only deepens my understanding of vector ecology but also strengthens my ability to navigate different personalities and approaches in pursuit of our shared goals. 

What motivated you to enter this line of work? 

I’ve always been fascinated by science, I always wanted to be a scientist right from school. This passion led me to pursue studies in Entomology and Parasitology, as I wanted to explore the unknown aspects of insects and their impact on our health. 

Who are you inspired by? 

I’m inspired by the challenges that vectors create in society, which motivate me to keep pushing forward. I’m also deeply influenced by Dr. Anthony Fauci, a distinguished physician-scientist and immunologist who led the American National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases from 1984 to 2022. His dedication and service as the chief medical advisor to the president from 2021 to 2022 show the impact that one person can have on public health. 

Do you have any advice to other Young Scientists? 

Young scientists should be inspired to pursue high-quality work, avoid duplicates and focus on improving their skills with precision. They should embrace the spirit of knowledge searching much as it may be hard, but the journey of discovery often leads to fascinating insights and breakthroughs. 

What does a day in the lab/field look like for you? What’s your favourite task to do in the lab or wherever you work? 

I like doing all the different tasks when I am in the lab. It is one of the most exciting moments because it offers me opportunities to discover, to learn and improve on several aspects.  

While in the field, I enjoy the larvae collection exercise as it gives me pleasure to know the nature of the habitats where these target mosquito species breed from. Some habitats can be interesting that one may not think the Anopheles mosquito could breed there like rock pools contaminated with dirt from human activities. Because of these rare occurrences, it is a behavioral change the species is adapting to, for its juveniles to survive out there in the changing environment.