GREAT Institute is incredibly proud of its former employees and students who are representing The Gambia with distinction. It shows that Gambians can thrive in any environment and field with support, mentorship, and resources. Below are the key highlights from our team members.
Jim Secka is currently a PhD student in Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry at San Diego State University. Mr. Secka received his BSc in Chemistry from the University of The Gambia (UTG) and his MSc in Chemistry from the University of Tulsa. His research focuses on the development of atroposelective methodology towards privileged kinase inhibitor scaffolds. He has authored and co-authored several papers in his field. Recently, Mr. Secka visited GREAT Institute to talk about his experience since his days at GREAT Institute and UTG.
Mr. Secka's recent visit to GREAT Institute in Summer 2024.
Betty Jahateh, a National Geographic Young Explorer, is currently pursuing her PhD in Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan. She joined the GREAT Institute team as an Administrative Assistant to the Program Director. She recently had the honour of speaking at the ESRI UC Education Summit plenary session held in San Diego, California. Betty holds a BSc in Biology from the University of The Gambia and an MSc in Biosciences from Swansea University. As she continues to break new ground in the sciences, we are confident that she will keep making The Gambia proud.
Ms. Jahateh at a conference sponsored by National Geographic Society.
Yahya Khan earned his BSc in Chemistry from the University of The Gambia. During his undergraduate studies, he joined the GREAT Institute as a Community Science Leader (CSL) for the Gambia Environmental Monitoring Systems (GEMS) Programme. In this role, he was responsible for data collection and mobilizing the community of Lamin Koto. His successful contributions to the GEMS project played a key role in his academic advancement. When applying for an MSc at the University of Toledo, his research findings and strong application impressed the admissions committee so much that they offered him a direct path to a PhD. Mr. Khan became the second person from the GREAT Institute to bypass an MSc and proceed straight to a PhD. He exemplifies the potential of many students in The Gambia who can thrive with continued support and mentorship.
Mr. Khan presenting his research from the GEMS project
Muhammed Hydara is a co-founder and the Secretary General of the Gambia Environmental Alliance (GEA), a coalition of civil societies and community-based organizations dedicated to restoring and protecting The Gambia’s environment. He first joined the GREAT Institute as a summer intern in 2019 and later became the coordinator for the Gambia Ocean Heroes (GOH) Project. Driven by a passion for using science to inform policy discussions on environmental conservation, Mr. Hydara actively contributes to safeguarding The Gambia’s natural resources. He holds a BSc in Biology with a minor in Environmental Sciences from the University of The Gambia.
Tayeb Jasseh first joined the team as a high school intern in the summer of 2023. Following his internship, he began his BSc in Physics at the University of The Gambia (UTG). In November 2023, when GREAT Institute was recruiting 3rd and 4th-year students from UTG for part-time positions, Mr. Jasseh’s outstanding performance during his internship made him an ideal candidate. The team welcomed him back as a part-time Community Science Leader, where he continued to excel. It came as no surprise when he was later accepted to the University of Exeter to further pursue his BSc in Physics. Mr. Jasseh exemplifies hard work and dedication, and we are excited to see what the future holds for him.
Mr. Jasseh in the mangroves.