Vector Genetics Laboratory

March 2026 - Initial field site visit and collections in Annobón

Photo Credit: Mark Scott Unger

Photo Credit: Dulcinea Productions for UCMI

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

Photo Credit: Dulcinea Productions for UCMI

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

São Tomé and Príncipe 2026

VGL Events & Activities

Recent News

Muddy rutted dirt lane with puddles between red metal and wooden fences, leafy trees

New UCMI Publication: Characterizing Breeding Habitats of Anopheles coluzzii in São Tomé

by Christine Coleman
September 29, 2026

Publications

A new study from our lab and collaborators, published in Malaria Journal, examines the breeding ecology of Anopheles coluzzii, the primary malaria vector on São Tomé. Monitoring 32 aquatic habitats in Bairro Verde across wet and dry seasons (2023–2024), the team found that this species utilizes a wide range of temporary and permanent water bodies and tolerates diverse environmental conditions.

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Postdoctoral Researcher

by Christine Coleman
September 22, 2026

Job Openings

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER

Population Genomics & Adaptive Introgression Among African Malaria Vector Species

Join an interdisciplinary research program investigating the evolutionary genomics of Africa’s most important malaria vectors.

Two smiling men standing before a conference banner reading 'Mosquito Kolymbari Meeting 2026'.

VGL Attends Mosquito Kolymbari Meeting

by Christine Coleman
August 13, 2026

Greg Lanzaro and Ana Kormos recently attended the Mosquito Kolymbari Meeting, held August 1–7, 2026 in Kolymbari, Crete, Greece. This meeting brings together researchers from around the world to share advances in mosquito biology and vector-borne disease research in a highly interactive, discussion-focused setting. During the meeting, Greg presented his talk, “Evaluation of population modification using gene drive,” as part of the session on genetic approaches to vector control .

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