Dr. Harsh Bais' rhizosphere biology research is focused on the biological significance of root exudation. Though root exudation clearly represents a significant carbon cost to the plant, the mechanisms and regulatory processes controlling root secretion are just now beginning to be examined. Root-root, root-microbe, and root-nematode communications are continuous occurrences in the rhizosphere, but due to the underground nature of roots, these intriguing interactions have largely been overlooked. Dr. Bais’ research is taking a multidisciplinary approach by interfacing plant biology and chemistry to unravel this underground communication process.