Rithika Senthilkumar, an undergraduate research scholar at the UC Davis Vector Genetics Laboratory (VGL), School of Veterinary Medicine, has been named a recipient of the 2025 Promega D.O.O.R.S. (Development of Our Research Scientists) Scholarship. The scholarship program, which began in 2020, provides recipients with a $5,000 award and participation in both a mentorship initiative and the D.O.O.R.S. Scholars’ Day event held at the BioPharmaceutical Technology Center Institute and Promega campus in Madison, Wisconsin.
Senthilkumar is one of ten undergraduates selected for this year’s scholarships from across the United States. Recipients are chosen based on academic achievement, professional potential, and dedication to research or industry involvement. This year’s group includes students from institutions in California—including UCLA and Pomona College—as well as colleges in Maryland, Texas, Michigan, Florida, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.
Currently a second-year student majoring in genetics and genomics at UC Davis, Senthilkumar conducts research under Dr. Hester Weaving at VGL. Her work focuses on using invertebrate-derived DNA (iDNA) obtained from aquatic predators to study their interactions with malaria-transmitting mosquitoes in Africa.
“Rithika is conducting research under the mentorship of Dr. Hester Weaving, postdoctoral scholar in the VGL, on a study utilizing invertebrate-derived DNA (iDNA) recovered from the gut contents of species that prey on malaria-transmitting mosquitoes in Africa,” said Gregory Lanzaro, professor at UC Davis Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology and chief of VGL.
“Identifying predator species is essential for understanding the ecological role of these mosquitoes in local food webs and for assessing the potential environmental impacts of malaria control programs involving the release of genetically engineered mosquitoes,” Lanzaro said. “Her recognition through this scholarship highlights both her dedication to research and the strength of undergraduate contributions to the VGL’s mission.”
Senthilkumar described her enthusiasm for scientific discovery: “I’ve been passionate about research for a long time and getting to work in molecular biology is when I discovered how much I love the pace, challenge, and creativity of the field,” she said. In her work using “invertebrate-derived DNA (iDNA) from the gut contents of aquatic predators to study their interactions with malaria-transmitting mosquitoes in Africa,” she develops “qPCR assays to detect mosquito DNA in these samples,” generating data needed “to understand predator-prey interactions and to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of releasing genetically engineered mosquitoes for malaria control.”
She added: “What I enjoy most about this work is how it connects genetics with global health and applies molecular tools to answer questions that matter for real communities and real lives… I’m most inspired by my parents, who taught me the value of discipline and consistency… Being selected as a 2025 Promega D.O.O.R.S. Scholar for my research at the VGL is something I’m deeply proud of… My goal is to become a research scientist and every step I take brings me closer to that future.”
The Vector Genetics Laboratory describes its mission as advancing research into population genetics, genomics, bioinformatics related to insect vectors transmitting diseases affecting humans and animals. The lab focuses primarily on malaria vectors found in Africa but also addresses broader topics within vector biology.
The laboratory is led by Gregory Lanzaro alongside Anthony “Anton” Cornel from Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center as well as faculty members from UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology.