We investigate plant-microbial interactions, including highly co-evolved legume-rhizobia mutualisms and ubiquitous fungal endophytes.

The overarching goal of our research is to understand how symbiotic associations evolve and influence species, communities, and ecosystems. Members of our lab mainly 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 intellectually community of life-long learners and out-of-box thinkers.