My research focuses on understanding the genetic architecture underlying nonhost resistance. We use natural and induced variation within intermediate host and nonhost species to identify the genetic loci specifying resistance. Our efforts are concentrated on the cereal rusts and their interaction with several grass species, including barley (Hordeum vulgare) and purple false brome (Brachypodium distachyon). We apply suite of approaches in our research, including genetics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, and next-generation sequencing. In parallel, we are currently translating our discoveries within host species, wheat, with the long-term goal of using the molecular components underlying nonhost resistance to engineer durable resistance.