Dr. Wilson’s research focuses on understanding the genetic and biochemical networks that underlie the molecular interactions between phytopathogenic fungi and their host plant cells. Using live-cell imaging, molecular genetics and biochemical analyses coupled with multiomic approaches, we seek to identify and characterize the gene expression networks, protein interactions, biochemical processes, signaling pathways and effector molecules that allow the devastating rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae to cause disease. We expect that this endeavor will ultimately identify novel determinants of virulence that could be exploited as targets in the fight against  M. oryzae and other recalcitrant phytopathogenic fungi.