Biography
I grew up in Vancouver, WA and attended Brigham Young University, completing my Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry. I completed my PhD at Michigan State University in Genetics, with focus on plant-pathogenic bacteria and then received post-doctoral training at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Marlyand. Before coming to BYU I worked as a research plant pathologist for USDA in Fargo, ND.
My wife, Elizabeth, and I have 3 sons. We enjoy being active outdoors together - hiking, biking, gardening, and playing soccer. We also enjoy music and cooking.
Research Interests
Molecular mechanisms enabling bacteria to succeed in a plant environment.Current projects are focused on understanding how the bacteria that cause soft-rot diseases are successful. Identifying and characterizing virulence mechanisms, and understanding how they are being regulated.