Vector Genetics Laboratory

Melina Campos and Anton Cornel collecting larvae by the side of the road in Príncipe

Anton Cornel is bit by the UCMI genetically modified mosquitoes for a filmed demonstration in 2021

João and Danspaid moving marked mosquitoes to the release point for the July MRR in the Água Grande district of São Tomé

2023 - Collecting jumping spiders in the UC Davis Arboretum for non-target experiments

The VECTOR GENETICS LABORATORY at UC Davis is dedicated to advancing research and training in population and molecular genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics of insect vectors that transmit human and animal diseases.

Our mission is to expand scientific knowledge that can be applied to improving vector control strategies, while also addressing fundamental questions in evolutionary genetics.

Currently, our major research focus is on the vectors of malaria in Africa, though we pursue a wide range of projects across vector biology and genetics.

The laboratory is led by Gregory Lanzaro, a professor in the Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Anton Cornel a professor in the Department of Entomology and Nematology.

Undergraduate Research Program

The Vector Genetics Laboratory (VGL) at UC Davis carries out research and training in the areas of population and molecular genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics of insect vectors of human and animal disease. We have developed a program aimed at expanding knowledge that may be applied to improving control of vectorborne diseases, and that addresses problems of interest in the field of evolutionary genetics. The laboratory is directed by Dr. Gregory C. Lanzaro in the Dept. of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology of the School of Veterinary Medicine, and Dr.

Latest Photos

VGL Events & Activities

Group Photos

Recent News

Multiple Postdoctoral Research Fellowships Available

by Christine Coleman
September 30, 2025

Job Openings

The Vector Genetics Lab (VGL) at the University of California, Davis currently has three post-doctoral positions available for highly motivated candidates with a background in ecology, population genetics, genomics, or bioinformatics. The VGL focuses on problems in the fields of evolutionary genetics, ecology, and vector-borne disease control.

Ongoing projects:

Special Issue of Insects

by Christine Coleman
September 16, 2025

Dr. Lanzaro will be the guest editor for a Special Issue of Insects dedicated to advancing our understanding of mosquito population genetics—a cornerstone of vector control, evolutionary ecology, and emerging genetic technologies. This Special Issue will include original research, reviews, and perspectives that explore topics such as the following:

A mosquitofish jumps from the water to eat a mosquito being provided by forceps

New VGL Publication

by Christine Coleman
August 21, 2025

Publications

Claire Egan's paper "Growth and development of two predator species fed a diet of genetically engineered mosquitoes" was published today in Parasites & Vectors. Congratulations to Claire on her first published paper and to all co-authors.