My research centers on rice molecular genetics and breeding, with a core focus on genetic improvement tailored for direct-seeded rice production systems. My two primary research directions are as follows. First, I dissect the genetic regulatory mechanisms of two key stress-tolerance traits critical for direct-seeded rice: deep-sowing tolerance via the regulation of mesocotyl elongation, and submergence tolerance during germination via modulating coleoptile elongation and anaerobic adaptation, both of which determine uniform and high-rate seedling establishment in direct-seeding systems. Second, I conduct genome-wide association studies (GWAS) using natural rice populations to identify key genes governing rice eating and cooking quality, and further systematically dissect their molecular and biological functions. The ultimate goal of my research is to pyramid elite favorable alleles, break negative genetic linkages between traits, and breed new rice varieties with premium eating quality and robust stress tolerance, to support the sustainable and efficient development of direct-seeded rice cultivation.