Dr. Anthony A. James is the principal investigator of the research group at the University of California, Irvine (UCI). He is a Donald Bren and Distinguished Professor of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics (School of Medicine) and Molecular Biology & Biochemistry (School of Biological Sciences), and a member of the National Academy of Sciences (USA). An alumnus of UCI, he did postdoctoral work at Harvard Medical School and Brandeis University. His research group is recognized widely for its contributions to molecular biological investigations of mosquitoes and the development of genetic approaches to controlling vector-borne diseases. Their work for UCMI involves the development of engineered genes that interfere with malaria parasite development in mosquitoes coupled with gene-drive systems as part of a population modification control strategy.
Dr. Gregory C. Lanzaro is a Professor in the Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, and the founder and chief of the Vector Genetics Laboratory at University of California, Davis. He has over 35 years’ experience in the field of medical entomology, with a focus on vector population genetics. Dr. Lanzaro has extensive field experience in Africa and his role in the UCMI project is to lead the effort in conducting field trials to evaluate the performance of genetically engineered mosquitoes, and to determine their efficacy in eliminating malaria.
Dr. Ethan Bier is an Allen Distinguished professor in the section of Cell and Developmental Biology at University of California, San Diego (UCSD). He received his Ph.D. from Harvard Medical School where he studied regulation of immune genes and did his postdoctoral studies at UCSD on the development of the nervous system. Dr. Bier was a pioneer in developing the CRISPR-Cas9 based Gene Drive system, initially in Drosophila, and subsequently in mosquitoes, in partnership with Dr. James.
Dr. George Dimopoulos is a professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology. He serves as deputy director of the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute and director of its Parasitology Core facility. Dr. Dimopoulos has developed pathogen resistant mosquitoes based on genetic engineering of the mosquito’s immune system, and CRISPR/CAS9-based disruption of pathogen host factor.
Dr. Anthony Cornel is a Medical Entomologist and a Professor for the Department of Entomology in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at University of California, Davis. He received his master’s degree and PhD in South Africa where his studies focused on African arboviruses and their mosquito vectors. His areas of expertise include mosquito cytogenetics, ecology, genomics, systematics, and population biology, with a particular emphasis on field ecology. He has over 30 years of field experience working in Africa and will be leading studies of mosquito ecology at the UCMI field sites.
Dr. João Pinto is Associate Professor and Head of the Medical Entomology Unit of the Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa. His research interests focus on the bioecology and genetics of mosquito vectors of disease with emphasis on Afrotropical malaria vectors. He has over 20 years of experience conducting field work and training actions in Africa. Dr. Pinto will lead field operations on the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe, participating in field collections and implementing training and capacity building activities.
Field Entemologist
Maria Corrêa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Brazil, and a Master’s degree in Entomology from the Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Brazil. Her work focuses on the bioecology and ecotoxicology of mosquito vectors of medical importance and aquatic macroinvertebrates, with over four years of extensive field experience conducting remote research activities in the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe. She has a background in molecular biology and host–parasite interactions, and has experience teaching Field Ecology at the university level. Over the past years, she has worked with the University of California Malaria Initiative as an Assistant Field Entomologist and currently serves as an Assistant Field Manager, supporting the coordination and execution of field-based scientific research on the islands, as well as the analysis and publication of scientific data.
Insectary Manager
has a bachelor’s degree in medical biotechnology and in Public Health Science. He is highly skilled in entomological work, both in the field and laboratory. He has experience working in collaboration with Kenya Medical Research Institute/Centre for Disease Control (KEMRI/CDC), International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), and the International Centre of Excellence for Malaria Research (ICEMR) in different capacities. He is the insectary manager for the University of California Malaria Initiative (UCMI) in São Tomé and Príncipe.
Laboratory Manager
Laboratory Manager
holds a degree in Biology with a focus on molecular biology and biochemistry. She has experience working as a molecular biology laboratory technician including microinjection, and also has experience working with mosquito colonies. She is currently the Laboratory Manager of the UCMI molecular biology laboratory located at the University of São Tomé and Príncipe where she is responsible for the management and maintenance of the laboratory, equipment, and safety protocols.
Co-Investigator at the University of STP
is a biologist with advanced training in marine sciences, coastal ecology, and environmental monitoring, holding a PhD in Ecology. He has experience as a lecturer and researcher in coastal and marine projects in São Tomé and Príncipe. His main interests include marine environmental monitoring and data‑driven coastal management. He currently serves as a UCMI Co‑Investigator at the University of São Tomé and Príncipe, leading research investigating the presence of Anopheles coluzzii in saline sites in São Tomé and Príncipe.
Engagement Focal Point in São Tomé and Príncipe
holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Project Management. He has extensive experience in community and stakeholder engagement in São Tomé and Príncipe, with a particular focus on public health interventions and sustainable community development initiatives. He currently serves as the National Engagement Manager for the University of California Malaria Initiative (UCMI) in São Tomé and Príncipe, where he leads strategic communication and advocacy efforts, and coordinates engagement activities.
Graphic Designer and Social Media Content
is a biology graduate from the Federal University of Pará and holds a Master’s degree in Biodiversity and Biotechnology from the University of Coimbra. She has worked in international development and conservation projects, contributing to communication and community engagement strategies with organizations such as Oikos, BirdLife, and initiatives under the IMF portfolio in São Tomé. Her work bridges environmental communication, social awareness, and institutional outreach. At UCMI, she works as a Graphic Designer and Social Media Content Creator.
Engagement Focal Point São Tomé
has a master’s degree in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Évora – STP and a degree in Biology. He has experience in fieldwork and community education and awareness in the area of public health. His greatest strength is in his committment to team work. He is currently a Community Engagment Focal Point for the UCMI program.
Engagement Focal Point Príncipe
holds a degree in Portuguese Language from the Public University of São Tomé and Príncipe. She has experience in fieldwork and community engagement, developing educational activities and working directly with local communities. She currently serves as a Community Engagement Focal Point for the UCMI program.
Ms. Ana Kormos received her Master of Public Health at University of California, Davis. She has more than 12 years of experience working in executive leadership roles for community health centers and has led system-wide transformation of care delivery using the relationship-based model. She has experience in development and implementation of community engagement programs in rural, underserved communities in the United States and in Mexico. She is the UCMI Program Administrator.
UCMI Program Coordinator São Tomé and Príncipe
is a PhD candidate in Territory, Risks, and Public Policies at the University of Coimbra. He has extensive experience in public health project coordination, monitoring and evaluation, and institutional collaboration, including work with national authorities and international partners. He is the UCMI Program Coordinator in São Tomé and Príncipe and is responsible for local finance management, coordinating malaria research and control activities, and supporting community engagement initiatives.
UCD Administrative Assistant
Christine is Dr. Lanzaro’s executive assistant at University of California, Davis. She holds a BS in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Santa Clara University and has extensive experience in laboratory operations, grant administration, complex travel coordination, and regulatory compliance. Her research background spans molecular biology, genomics, cell biology, and behavioral research, with multiple peer-reviewed publications. She brings a unique blend of scientific training and administrative expertise to support multidisciplinary research projects.
