Alfven waves are ubiquitously found in both natural space plasmas and man-made laboratory plasmas with strong magnetic fields. In theory, a large-amplitude Alfven wave can be unstable and decay into another Alfven wave going backward plus a sound wave going forward, a physical process that is commonly known as the parametric decay instability or PDI. This mechanism is one strong candidate that potentially powers mysterious plasma heating observed in space plasmas. This project consists of integrated experimental and numerical studies with results anticipated to bring us closer to the first observation of this basic plasma process in the laboratory. To do this, we will launch both a large-amplitude Alfven wave and a small-amplitude backward Alfven wave or “seed wave” on the Large Plasma Device (LAPD) at University of California, Los Angeles. Proof-of-principle measurement of the seed wave growth due to PDI will be demonstrated and compared to numerical simulations adopting LAPD relevant conditions. Driving the decay process directly with a single Alfven wave will also be briefly explored. The insights acquired through the close synergy between experiments and simulations will be essential for further evaluating the role of PDI in space plasmas.