My current research focuses on functional genomics and regulation of gene expression in plants. One aspect of my research is the functional genomics of chromatin remodeling proteins and transcriptional regulators involving stress tolerance and disease resistance in plants. In higher organisms, many different patterns of gene expression are required for proper development to occur and to allow for specific responses to environmental cues. Transcriptional regulation of gene expression plays a fundamental role in plant response to environmental stimuli. Research methods used in work include gene knock out, gene overexpression, protein-protein interaction, and global gene expression analysis by DNA microarray. These studies will lead to a better understanding of the molecular basis for the regulation of gene expression and signal transduction in plant development and plant responses to environmental cues. Progress in our understanding of gene control in plants using model systems presents substantial opportunities to apply this knowledge to agricultural applications.