Our Board and Executive Team

 Abdoulaye Sene, PhD, is a dedicated neuroscientist and expert in bringing scientific discoveries to real-world medical treatments. With over 15 years of experience, he is currently the Vice President of Translational Science at Kartos Therapeutics, where he leads groundbreaking research projects. Before joining Kartos, Dr. Sene held key positions at major pharmaceutical companies like Genentech and Allergan, contributing to cutting-edge research programs. He also served as a Research Instructor and Postdoctoral Research Associate at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, focusing on improving understanding and treatments for vision disorders. Dr. Sene earned his PhD in Neuroscience from Pierre and Marie Curie University in Paris, France. He has also taught at Université de Cergy-Pontoise, demonstrating a strong commitment to mentoring future scientists and advancing medical research.

His extensive expertise makes him a sought-after advisor and leader for biotechnology and healthcare organizations looking for innovative solutions to complex challenges.

 Astou Ka brings over 20 years of experience in project portfolio management, strategy, and strategic planning. She is a transformative leader, driving organizational success by delivering strategic solutions that align with business goals, maximize resources, and ensure sustainable growth. Throughout her career, Astou has held leadership roles at top organizations such as Accenture, Pcubed, Edward Jones, Avenue One, and Citi. Her work at these firms has honed her expertise in financial strategy, operations, and global project management, optimizing processes and enhancing client outcomes. Astou is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and holds a Series 7 license, showcasing her commitment to excellence and proficiency in the financial services industry.

Her passion for driving impactful change and fostering innovation makes her an invaluable member of the JBN board. With a strategic mindset and deep understanding of project and portfolio management, Astou significantly contributes to the organization's governance and growth.

 Niokhor Dione, PhD, is a seasoned microbiologist and leader in microbial research. As the Vice-President of Discovery and Development at AnimalBiome, he spearheads innovative research to develop new microbial solutions that improve animal health. Dr. Dione developed his expertise in bacterio-therapies and the microbiome's link to metabolic health during his postdoctoral research at Stanford University and Université Laval.  He earned his PhD in Human Pathology and Infectious Diseases from Aix Marseille University, where he developed new techniques to study the human gut microbiota. Earlier in his career, he supported local farmers in Senegal as a Research Supervisor for the Conseil Régional de Fatick, addressing challenges in animal health and dairy production.

With a diverse background in academic research, therapeutic innovation, and practical application, Dr. Dione is a strategic and insightful board member. His expertise in microbial science and commitment to improving health outcomes make him a valuable asset to biotechnology, life sciences, and sustainable development organizations.

 Mariem Tall is an accomplished auditor with over ten years of experience in accounting. Since 2014, she has been a key member of Harshwal & Company LLP, specializing in auditing for Tribal and Local Government entities, as well as the gaming and hospitality sectors. Mariem’s work ensures financial integrity, compliance, and efficient resource management for her clients.

She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting from the UNM Anderson School of Management, which, along with her professional experience, highlights her strong analytical skills and dedication to excellence in financial reporting.

Mariem uses her technical skills to streamline processes, improve accuracy, and provide actionable insights. Her customer service and financial reporting expertise enhance her ability to manage complex accounting tasks and deliver valuable results.

As a board member of the Jolof Biotech Network, Mariem contributes her meticulous financial oversight and passion for operational excellence. Her dedication to accountability and strategic planning aligns with the organization’s mission, making her an invaluable asset to its governance and success.

 Moussa Badiane is a highly experienced financial professional with over 15 years of expertise in managing and analyzing financial data. He currently leads financial reporting at Shift Technology, ensuring accurate and reliable financial information is used for making important business decisions. Prior to his role at Shift Technology, Moussa held key financial positions at companies such as Septodont and Data4 Group, where he was responsible for managing financial reporting and ensuring compliance with international standards. He also gained valuable experience in consulting at Baker Tilly France, where he helped companies improve their financial processes and efficiency. As an academic scholar, Moussa earned a Master’s degree in Accounting-Control-Audit (CCA) from IAE Clermont Auvergne – School of Management and a Master’s in Accounting-Financial Control from IAE Paris-Est .  His strong foundation in finance and accounting underpins his ability to deliver strategic insights and guide organizations through complex financial landscapes. Moussa’s extensive experience and commitment to financial excellence make him a valuable asset to boards seeking to enhance governance, financial oversight, and strategic decision-making. 

 Lalla Aida Fall is a dedicated scientist with over 10 years of experience in developing new medicines.

She currently works as a Visiting Scholar and Research Assistant at California State University - East Bay, where she conducts research and mentors aspiring scientists.

Previously, Lalla held a key role at Genentech, a leading biotechnology company. There, she played a crucial part in bringing new drugs to market by ensuring they meet the highest safety and quality standards. This involved preparing detailed documentation for regulatory agencies and validating the manufacturing processes for these medications. Lalla also gained valuable experience at Stanford University, conducting cutting-edge research in life sciences. She began her academic journey at California State University - East Bay, where she conducted research on proteins for over three years.

Lalla's expertise spans both academic research and the pharmaceutical industry. She excels at translating scientific discoveries into real-world applications, making her a valuable asset to JBN seeking to innovate in the fields of biotechnology and healthcare.

Fatimatou brings 17 years of expertise as a passionate and dedicated educator at a bilingual French-American school. She specializes in fostering the cognitive and emotional development of children, with a strong focus on the critical early childhood years (ages 0-5). Fatima’s approach integrates Montessori principles and play-based learning to create a nurturing and stimulating environment that supports each child’s unique potential. Her commitment to bilingual education has empowered countless students to thrive academically while developing strong language skills in both French and English.

Additionally, Fatima has deep expertise in providing education in a bilingual setup and a thorough understanding of educational methodologies used across Africa, Europe, and America. Her global perspective enhances her ability to adapt and implement best practices from various educational systems.

With extensive training in child development from infancy through adolescence, Fatima remains an advocate for fostering curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning in every student she teaches.