My lab studies the contribution of transposable elements (TEs) to biological functions and evolution in plants. Particularly, we focus on TEs' response to temperature and other abiotic stresses to understand how TEs may contribute to stress adaptations. We employ the latest sequencing technologies (i.e., long-read sequencing), State-of-the-Art controlled environments, molecular genetics, population genomics, and developing new computer programs to answer our research questions. We use maize, rice, Arabidopsis, tomato, and many other non-model organisms to advance our knowledge of TE's adaptive role. In the long run, we wish to apply our knowledge to create more resilient crops for our changing climate