My research interests include investigating the biology and epidemiology of plant pathogens with the goal of reducing pesticide inputs, managing fungicide resistance, supporting plant breeders, and designing innovative disease management strategies. I believe that providing growers with independent data on fungicide efficacy and, where appropriate, cultivar disease resistance is critical, and I am a strong proponent of maintaining a vigorous field program to evaluate cultivars and plant protection products. I also have a particular interest in investigating the etiology of emerging diseases. Though my research focuses on fungal plant pathogens, I am broadly interested in all pathogen groups.In extension, I am a proponent of combining traditional outreach methods, such as presentations at grower meetings, visits to farms and processors, and publication of extension handouts, with use of the Internet to disseminate findings. I believe that a strong Internet presence is an invaluable tool for sharing recent findings from the lab, for alerting stakeholders to emerging phytopathological problems of potential concern to stakeholders, and for providing information on diagnosis and management of plant diseases. I also believe that building strong personal relationships with stakeholders is critical for earning the trust and confidence of stakeholders, and I believe that making regular farm visits, meeting with extension and industry representatives, and organizing extension events are critical components of an effective extension program.Specialties: Mycology; plant pathology of field crops, with an emphasis on soybeans, lentils, chickpeas, field peas, sunflowers, and safflower.