March 2026 Spotlight (Britney Solis)
Britney Solis, First-year PhD Student, Dr. Meuti Lab
Research: My research seeks to ultimately reduce mosquito-borne disease transmission by improving the Sterile Insect technique (SIT). My two-part project, first, identifies if seasonal photoperiod impacts male Ae. Albopitus mating success, female blood feeding proclivity, and egg diapause status. Additionally, my project looks for interactions between standard SIT larval diets and the microbiota on adult male life history traits, and to determine the effect of adult male diet on male traits relevant for SIT.
Get to know!
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Chicago!! Totally recommend a deep dish pizza at Giordano's if you ever plan a trip there.
What is your best study tip?
A little bit of studying a day goes a lot further than cramming. Also, attempting to teaching my friends material helps a lot.
What do you like that everyone else seems to dislike?
A hot take, but I really like pineapple on pizza.
What is one thing on your bucket list?
I am not the biggest adrenaline or rollercoaster fan, but I really want to go skydiving.
Editor: Dahee Ahn