National Science Foundation 
Nitric Oxide and Autophagy Regulation in Arabidopsis. (MCB: 2008 - 2014) We are investigating the roles of a potential calcium sensor, CML24, in regulating cellular homeostasis and impact on nitric oxide and autophagy regulation. Biochemical, biophysical, and molecular genetic approaches are being used. Completion of these experiments will address fundamental and important questions about plant stress perception and response and will bring new insight into roles of Ca2+, redox, NO, and autophagy in adaptation and homeostasis. This work has significant relevance to human health, as regulation of these cellular processes are central to mechanisms of aging, cancer, and neurogenerative disease.

National Science Foundation 
Support Framework for Excellence in Interdisciplinary Research and Education (IRISE). The Rice SFEIRE Program is designed to build an educational, transition framework for graduate students interested in interdisciplinary research. 

National Science Foundation                     
Engineered Nanomaterials and Plant Interactions: Uptake, Biotransformations and Physiological Effects                       Engineered rapid developments in research and industrial production of advanced materials at the nanoscale have increased the potential for such technologies to impact the environment. To address this broad issue, we propose interdisciplinary investigations to understand the impact and role of plant-nanomaterial interactions. The interactions between engineered nanoscale materials and plants are studied including both the effects of ENM on plants, as well as the reciprocal ENM modifications induced by plants. Such data is critical for accurate life cycle(s) and ecosystem risk(s) assessments, both of which are the foundation for a sustainable nanotechnology sector.

Gates Foundation                                   
Circadian Light and Mechanical Perturbation to Enhance Crop Pest Resistance Post Harvest
Two simple stimuli applied to vegetable crops before harvest and/or post harvest for enhancement of biotic resistance of crops from field to market.