Dr. Daniel J. Ebbole is a professor in the department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology at Texas A&M University. Ebbole’s research focuses on understanding the functions of pathogen effectors and their host targets. Currently, his laboratory is identifying and characterizing a gene family of putative effectors from Magnaporthe oryzae (rice blast fungus) and defining interactions with monocot hosts. He teaches courses in microbial processes in bioremediation, pathogen strategies in plant disease and leads a study abroad course in China.