Maiyai Taal HocheimY

Executive Director

Mrs. Hocheimy is the founder of the GREAT Institute and a passionate advocate for research and education as essential tools in shaping future critical thinkers in The Gambia. Her work focuses on climate change adaptation and mitigation in developing countries, integrating ecological, social, and economic dimensions through both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Mrs. Hocheimy is a National Geographic Explorer and holds a BSc from Hampton University (USA) and an MSc from the University of Southampton (UK).

Momodou ‘Jasseh’ Faal

Program Manager

Mr. Jasseh joined the team in 2021 and holds a BSc in Physics and with a minor in Mathematics from the University of The Gambia. Mr. Jasseh’s aim is to help in meeting the challenges facing the world today. He looks forward to pursuing a Master’s Degree in Aquatic Physics.

SAIT Touray

Community Science Leader

Mr. Touray is a third-year Geography major and Environmental Science minor at the University of The Gambia. He currently works as a Community Science Leader (CSL) at the GREAT Institute, with interests in environmental conservation, monitoring, and GIS. His long-term goal is to pursue a Master’s degree in GIS and contribute to sustainable environmental management in The Gambia.

Haddy B Gaye

Community Science Leader

Ms. Gaye is an undergraduate student majoring in Biology and a minoring in Environmental Science at the University of The Gambia. She joined GREAT Institute as a Community Science Leader (CSL). She loves environmental related activies and aspires to do her Master’s degree in an environmental related field in future

Omar Keita

Community Science Leader

Mr. Keita joined the team in 2025 and is an undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor's degree in Geography at the University of The Gambia. He is dedicated to fostering scientific literacy and community engagement and plans to pursue a master's degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analytics of climate data.

Fatoumatta Touray

Community Science Leader

Ms. Touray is an undergraduate student at the University of The Gambia, majoring in Environmental Sciences, and a Community Science Leader at GREAT Institute. Her interest lies in the intersection of marine and costal ecosystem, climate change, agriculture, biodiversity, and technology. She aspires to pursue further studies and explore how technology and scientific research can contribute to environmental sustainability and innovate solutions to environmental challenges.

Scientific Advisors

Kam Tang, PhD

Kam Tang is a Professor of Biology and Department Chair of Life Sciences, College of Science at Texas A & M University - Corpus Christi in the United States. Since the inception of the GREAT Institute, Kam has served as a Scientific Advisor, contributing his extensive expertise to guide the institute's research directions and strategic initiatives. His advisory role underscores his dedication to advancing scientific understanding and fostering innovation in environmental research and education.

Daniel McGinnis, PhD

Daniel Frank McGinnis is a Professor in environmental physics and Director of the Department of F.-A. Forel for Environmental and Water Sciences at the University of Geneva, Switzerland. Since 2019, Daniel has collaborated closely with the GREAT Institute, serving as the scientific partner for several major expeditions focused on the study of both aquatic and coastal ecosystems. His leadership has been instrumental in aiding GREAT’s mission in advancing research in The Gambia on the role of mangroves in carbon cycling, climate resilience, and biodiversity conservation.

Summer Interns

2026 - Emily Taal (Science Intern)

2026 - Ida Drammeh (Communications Intern)

2026 - Nyimasatou Sanneh (Communications Intern)