Discovering some of the chemical cues that affect the behavior of environmental and plant-associated bacteria.
Genome Dynamics and Potential Functional Impacts in Fusarium
The fungal genus Fusarium consists of more than 300 phylogenetically distinct species that, collectively, occur as mutualists and/or plant pathogens on virtually all crops.
Studies of Life at the Edge using Cyanidiophyceae
How Cyanidiophyceae, a group of unicellular red algae that occupies a variety of hot springs and acid mining sites, become extremophiles.
Viruses in the Rhizosphere
This proposal will connect the virome and microbiome to nitrogen cycling in perennial bioenergy cropping systems on marginal lands.
Gene to Function Linkages within Virioplankton Populations
A proposal focused on how environmental conditions influence viral-host interactions and the flow of nutrients and energy through aquatic ecosystems.
Basis of Bryophyte-Microorganism Interactions
Mosses host microbes that are capable of providing them with the necessary nitrogen. In exchange, the mosses supplement the microbe’s energy stores. We plan to test the role of sulfur containing compounds in mediating this globally important mutualism.
Life Cycle Evolution in Green Algae
Investigating the genes underlying sexual reproduction in green algae in order to better understand how to use classical breeding and domestication approaches.
Pennycress has Energy and Ecosystem Benefits
Pennycress (Thlaspi arvense) is under development as a winter annual oilseed bioenergy crop for the Midwest Corn Belt and other temperate regions.
100 Diatom Genomes
Sequencing diatoms for unique insights into their roles as key players for capturing carbon dioxide and as the foundation of diverse aquatic food webs.
Brassicales Genome Initiative
With more than 4,700 species spread across 17 families, the Brassicales is an ideal phylogenetic model for mining the genetic variation underlying the repeated evolution of traits.