Rachel L. Vannette

Rachel L. Vannette is a Professor and Vice-Chair in the Department of Entomology and Nematology at the University of California, Davis. She leads the Vannette Lab, located in Briggs Hall 43, which focuses on understanding plant-microbe-insect interactions, chemical ecology, and community ecology. Her research explores how microorganisms influence plant traits and interactions with insects, with applications in both basic ecological questions and agricultural systems.

Education: B.A. in Biology from Calvin College (1990s) and Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Michigan (2000s). She holds graduate group affiliations in Entomology (ENT), Ecology (GGE), and Microbiology (MGG).

Research interests include microbial contributions to plant defense against herbivores, pollinator attraction via floral nectar, and soil health. Current projects examine nectar microbiome effects on plant-pollinator interactions, soil biota impacts on herbivory, and the role of microbial metabolites in pollinator behavior. Her work bridges ecology, microbiology, and agriculture.

Publications highlight nectar microbiome dynamics, fungicide impacts on bees, and symbiotic relationships in insects. She actively collaborates on NSF-funded projects, including a CAREER grant on nectar chemistry and plant-pollinator adaptation.

Contact: rlvannette@ucdavis.edu or (530) 752-3379.