Research Interests

My main research focus is on the molecular interactions that take place when plants are parasitized by microbes. We are using genomic approaches, such as microarray technology, to ascertain global changes in gene expression during these interactions. These gene expression profiles provide a deeper understanding of the complex biological responses that occur and may also be used to develop mapping markers associated with specific responses, such as disease resistance.

Our lab is focusing its research efforts on soybean. We may use other plants, such as Arabidopsis when appropriate, but our goal is to improve our understanding of soybean biology and to improve its ability to tolerate a variety of disease pressures.