Three UC Davis doctoral students in the fields of entomology and biological sciences have received significant fellowships totaling more than $500,000, according to a May 5 announcement. The awards support advanced research on pollinators, neurodevelopmental disorders, and circadian rhythms.
The recognition highlights the achievements of graduate researchers at UC Davis and underscores the importance of external funding for scientific advancement. University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources secures funding through public contributions to support its programs, according to the official website.
Abigail “Abby” Lehner, a doctoral candidate working with pollinator ecologist Neal Williams in the Department of Entomology and Nematology, received a pre-doctoral fellowship valued at $180,000 from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Lehner said on her lab website: “I am interested in how global change impacts solitary bees. For my dissertation work, I aim to understand how blue orchard bee (Osmia lignaria) populations are affected by the introduction of an invasive kleptoparasite, the Houdini fly (Cacoxenus indagator). I will also assess how the Houdini fly may establish throughout North America.” Lehner is also active as treasurer for the Orchard Bee Association and serves on several committees within UC Davis.
Curtis Carlson received a $147,000 Ruth L. Kirschstein F31 Pre-Doctoral Fellowship from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke for his research into Smith-Kingsmore Syndrome using Drosophila models. Carlson’s work focuses on understanding sleep disruption mechanisms related to this rare disorder caused by mutations in mTOR signaling genes. He collaborates with multiple faculty members across departments and has published research as first author during his studies.
Olivia Lopez was awarded two fellowships: a $159,000 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program award for 2016-2031 and a $52,807 NIEHS T32 pre-doctoral fellowship from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. She also previously received an $118,000 Eugene Cota-Robles Fellowship from UC Davis officials in March 2025. Lopez investigates thermoregulation’s interaction with circadian rhythms using Drosophila melanogaster as her model organism while mentoring undergraduate researchers.
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources promotes sustainable practices to strengthen resilient ecosystems and economic vitality; it utilizes nine research centers representing diverse ecosystems; conducts over 33,800 educational events annually; manages Cooperative Extension services; engages more than 18,400 volunteers; is recognized for linking research with community needs—all according to its official website.
The accomplishments by these students reflect broader trends within university-led agricultural science initiatives that foster innovation through both public support and competitive grants.