We investigate evolution and ecology of plant-microbial interactions.

The overarching goal of our research is to understand how symbiotic associations evolve and influence species, communities, and ecosystems. Members of our lab study plant-microbial interactions, including highly co-evolved legume-rhizobia mutualisms and fungal endophytes living inside the leaves of plants. Using these models, we explore evolutionary patterns and mechanisms (e.g., evolution of host-specificity, natural selection for symbiotic traits, neutral vs. niche-selection mechanisms) influencing the ecology and diversity of symbiotic relationships. We foster and respect an intellectual community of life-long learners and out-of-box thinkers.