I am interested in plant-microbe interactions with a particular focus on the root microbiomes of grass species. Currently, I am using both forward and reverse genetics to uncover host genomic loci responsible for structuring root-associated microbial communities. I am also utilizing root bacterial isolates to characterize how components of the root microbiome influence host plant fitness and physiology. Before joining the Juenger Lab I completed my PhD at the University of California, Davis where I characterized the root microbiome of the crop plant rice.