Dr Mary - Jo Hoare

Mary-Jo Hoare has been working as a Research Technician at the Liverpool Insect Testing Establishment at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) since 2019, managing mosquito colonies for bioassays and ensuring compliance with good laboratory practice standards. Prior to this she worked in the Centre for Maternal and Newborn Health at LSTM, where she supported monitoring and evaluation projects for maternal health initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Mary-Jo holds a BSc in Marine Biology, an MSc in Marine Resource Management, and a PhD in Lake and Estuarine Sediment Pollution. Her diverse background includes roles in environmental consultancy, university administration, glaucoma research, and insect ecology/parasite epidemiology. She has developed a broad skill set in project design, administration, logistics, quantitative data processing, analysis, and both field and laboratory-based data collection.

As a highly motivated scientist, Mary-Jo brings a clear, logical approach to problem-solving. Her experience spans good laboratory practice labs, monitoring and evaluation, project management, ecology, entomology, and pollution research. She has worked under tight deadlines and collaborated with international colleagues, developing transferable skills in communication, IT proficiency, and team collaboration.

She is adept at quickly learning new techniques, which has allowed her to adapt to various challenges throughout her career. Mary-Jo’s technical expertise includes GC-MS, environmental magnetism, insect rearing, and behavioural assays. Additionally, she has mentored and trained staff, prepared scientific reports, and contributed to publications and presentations. Her career reflects a passion for scientific research and commitment to delivering high-quality results across various research domains.

Mary-Jo’s research interests are primarily centred around entomology, vector biology, and the development of innovative methodologies for understanding and controlling mosquito populations. In her current role she specialises in rearing various mosquito colonies for use in bioassays, applying insecticides, and using experimental methodologies to assess their effectiveness. This hands-on experience has allowed her to gain a deeper understanding of mosquito behaviour and resistance patterns – key areas in the field of vector control.

Mary-Jo is passionate about maintaining rigorous standards in the laboratory by adhering to good laboratory practice guidelines, ensuring data integrity, and following strict standard operating procedures for data collection and storage. This focus on quality control has honed her skills in managing large datasets and performing precise analyses, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of research.

Additionally, she actively conducts various lab assays, including World Health Organisation tubes, cone tests, topical testing, tarsal testing, net washing, high-performance liquid chromatography, and behavioural video tests. These contribute to advancing understanding of mosquito resistance to insecticides. She also oversees procurement for the lab, ensuring a seamless flow of essential supplies for efficient operations.

As a member of the LSTM Sustainability and Environment Committee, Mary-Jo works on initiatives to reduce the lab's environmental impact while enhancing the quality and effectiveness of research. Her interdisciplinary approach and dedication to excellence drive her passion for advancing vector control research and developing innovative solutions to combat mosquito-borne diseases.