Esther Laurelle holds a PhD in Microbiology from the University of Abomey-Calavi (2019). Her research explores bacterial resistance to antibiotics and the effects of climate change on the evolution of infectious disease pathogens, with a focus on high-risk areas. She is currently a postdoctoral fellow working on an IDRC-funded project to develop an early warning system for diarrhoeal diseases around Lake Nokoué. This interdisciplinary initiative integrates microbiology, sociology, and oceanography to enhance community resilience, particularly for women and children, by improving disease preparedness and response in vulnerable populations facing increasing climate and health challenges.