Oxitec People: Eldred Wirsching, Field Excellence Manager

Oxitec People: Eldred Wirsching, Field Excellence Manager

Can you tell us about your role at Oxitec and what it entails? 

My current role at Oxitec is Field Excellence Manager, supporting our global teams. I previously held the role of Field Operations Manager for the Florida Keys field project which gave me valuable insight into what it takes to keep all the working parts of a field trial running smoothly, experience I can now apply to other trials across the globe. I now work with Oxitec’s Field Operations Managers around the world helping to establish consistency and quality in their projects, and I travel as needed to the field sites.

What motivated you to join Oxitec’s mission?

I’ve been working with mosquitoes for over a decade, and I first learned about Oxitec when working for the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District. There had been a dengue outbreak in Key West and the local Aedes aegypti population was showing resistance to traditional pesticides. The potential of Oxitec’s technology to create a non-toxic and targeted solution within a genetically engineered Aedes aegypti was intriguing.  When I had the opportunity to work with Oxitec on the field project in the Keys, I jumped at it.

What do you enjoy about your role?

I love field work, I love lab work, and organizing is my zen 😊 My role in Field Excellence allows me to be able to assist with all of these aspects in our various field operations, and I enjoy being able to help the field teams.

What advice would you give to others wanting to pursue your area of work?

A positive attitude and willingness to learn, to step up and offer assistance and ideas to problem solve are important in a supportive role. And don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty!