My lab's research focuses on the genetic basis of plants’ interactions with their environment– especially their microbial neighbors– in both natural and agricultural systems. We combine quantitative genetics and evolutionary ecology to study the relationships between plant genotypes, phenotypes, and microbiomes- all towards the broad goals of understanding plant evolution and improving the health of crops and wild plants facing environmental challenges. Our current model organisms include Zea mays (maize/cor) and its wild relative Tripsacum dactyloides, and the wild mustard Boechera stricta.