Science Associates / Specialization:
Fungal Genetics
Alan Wanke
Alan Wanke
Affiliation
Sainsbury Laboratory, University of Cambridge
Location
Cambridge, UK
Research Description
In my postdoctoral work, I use molecular, microscopic, genetic, and bioinformatic approaches to investigate:
(a) the evolution of endomycorrhizal interactions among early divergent fungi (Mucoromycota), focussing on Mucoromycotina 'Fine Root Endophytes', and
(b) the molecular mechanisms that contribute to the compartmentalisation of fungal colonisation in distinct host tissues.
specializations
biomes
Alfred Balenor Buernor
Alfred Balenor Buernor
Affiliation
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University
Location
Morocco
Research Description
My research is focused on understanding the microbial diversity and their drivers in ecosystems and how to preserve, protect and use them in sustainable agriculture.
specializations
biomes
Andreina Bosch Fernandez
Andreina Bosch Fernandez
Affiliation
University of York
Location
York, England
Research Description
My PhD is looking at the ecological and functional consequences of fire in heathlands connecting, for the first time, the changes in the plant community with increased fire frequency with soil processes. I am particularly interested in the relationship and coevolution of Ericoid mycorrhizal fungi and Ericaceous shrubs.
specializations
biomes
Aynalem Gochera Sade
Aynalem Gochera Sade
Affiliation
KU Leuven
Location
Leuven, Belgium
Research Description
I am a young researcher with experience as a lecturer at Arba Minch University, Ethiopia, and pursuing a Ph.D. in Biology at KU Leuven. My research focuses on the ecosystem services of agroforestry systems in the southern Ethiopian Rift Valley, particularly exploring the role of Mango based agroforestry for in terms of mycorrhizal fungi to enhance sustainability and environmental conservation.
specializations
biomes
BADOU Akotchayé Sylvestre
BADOU Akotchayé Sylvestre
Affiliation
Laboratory of "Tropical Mycology and Plants-Soil Fungi Interactions" ( MyTIPS)
Location
Parakou, Benin
Research Description
My research explores the molecular phylogeny, ecology, and conservation of wild fungi, as well as plant-soil fungal interactions in African tropical forest ecosystems. These studies aim to understand fungal biodiversity and contribute to the sustainable management of forest ecosystems.
specializations
biomes
Blaine Martin
Blaine Martin
Affiliation
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champagne
Location
Champagne, Illinois, USA
Research Description
My past research involved fungal communities of liana roots and tropical disease ecology. I now study root-associated fungi inside Podocarpus trees in Western Panama. This work hopes to better understand the interactions between root-associated fungi, root morphology, and soil dynamics.
specializations
biomes
Boris Armel Olou
Boris Armel Olou
Affiliation
Fungi for Nature NGO
Location
Benin
Research Description
My research focuses on documenting and conserving fungal biodiversity in tropical Africa, particularly West Africa. Using molecular, anatomical, and machine learning methods, I assess climate change impacts on fungal habitats, with an emphasis on mycorrhizal fungi. I also study microorganisms’ roles in environmental resilience and pollutant degradation.
specializations
biomes
borisolou@yahoo.fr
Chandra Man Rai
Chandra Man Rai
Affiliation
Utah State University
Location
Bhutan
Research Description
I am working on how environmental changes such as forest expansion or tree line movement impact the underground microbial communities and their role in ecosystem processes
specializations
biomes
Damilola Grace Olanipon
Damilola Grace Olanipon
Affiliation
Afe Babalola University
Location
Nigeria
Research Description
My research focuses on plant and soil ecology with a special interest in plant-mycorrhizal fungi interrelationships in forest ecosystems and agricultural lands.
specializations
biomes
David M. Kothamasi
David M. Kothamasi
Affiliation
University of Delhi
Location
Delhi, India
Research Description
I study the role of arbuscular mycorrhizas as maintenance specialists of the ecosystem. I am focused on: (i) better understanding of the ecosystem through analysis of mycorrhizas as drivers of ecosystem function; (ii) investigating the effects of toxic pollutants on mycorrhizas; and (iii) development of new restoration technologies using mycorrhizas.
specializations
biomes
David Peris Navarro
David Peris Navarro
Affiliation
Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA) - CSIC
Location
Paterna, Valencia, Spain
Research Description
Dr. Peris is studying mechanisms of speciation and adaptation in fungal organisms. His FunGIALab team performs bioprospecting expeditions, and implements bioinformatics tools to study evolution and adaptation of fungi, the development of new molecular methods for generating new strains with applications in the production of healthy, safe and sustainable food products.
specializations
biomes
Dr. Krishna Saharan
Dr. Krishna Saharan
Affiliation
Agriculture University Jodhpur
Location
Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Research Description
At the Agriculture University of Jodhpur India, Krishna Saharan holds a dual role as an Assistant Professor and a Soil Microbiologist. Her studies are primarily concerned with the interactions between plant microorganisms (mycorrhiza fungi and plant growth-promoting rhizobacterua), the functional variety of PGPRs and AM fungi, and their field applications. Her research has shown important connections between the functions of agroforestry, soil biogeochemical cycle, mycorrhizae, mycology, bioinoculants, soil microbial ecology, fungal ecology, plant-microbe interactions, and agroforestry agriculture microbiology.
specializations
biomes
Dr. Nandkumar M. Kamat
Dr. Nandkumar M. Kamat
Affiliation
Goa University
Location
Mapusa, Goa, India
Research Description
Exploration of microbial diversity of Goa with special focus on actinobacteria, yeasts, basidiomycetes and wild edible mushrooms specifically Termitophilic agaricales in the state of Goa, India and along the Western Ghats
specializations
biomes
Dr. Samina Sarwar
Dr. Samina Sarwar
Affiliation
Botany Department, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan
Location
Lahore, Pakistan
Research Description
Mycology, Fungal Systematics, Plant-Fungal interactions, Molecular Mycology, Ectomycorrhizae in forestry, Applied Mycology, Fungal Ecology, Fungal conservation in Pakistan, Fungal diversity
specializations
biomes
Eric Pereira
Eric Pereira
Affiliation
Australian National University
Location
Canberra - Australia
Research Description
Currently, my research explores mycorrhizal associations in orchids.
specializations
biomes
Felix Zimmermann
Felix Zimmermann
Affiliation
Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL
Location
Birmensdorf, Switzerland
Research Description
I am a PhD stundent working on ecological genomics of ectomycorrhizal fungi associated to oaks. In particular, I am interested in evolutionary processes of the ECM species Cenococcum geophilum.
specializations
biomes
Grace Gachara
Grace Gachara
Affiliation
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University
Location
Morocco
Research Description
My research focuses on soil and plant ecology, with special interest on understanding the biodiversity of plant-mycorrhizal fungi populations located within argan tree forests and arganeraie forestlands and the interplay between plant-microbiome interactions in aiding forest restoration and carbon sequestration in forest ecosystems within semi-arid and arid regions of Morocco.
specializations
biomes
Hari Sharan Adhikari
Hari Sharan Adhikari
Affiliation
Amrit Campus, Tribhuvan University
Location
Kathmandu, Nepal
Research Description
Research was focusing on the soil fungal population, land use gradient, and ECM diversity in tropical, temperate, and alpine forests.
specializations
biomes
Inviolata Lusweti
Inviolata Lusweti
Affiliation
University of Nairobi
Location
Nairobi, Kenya
Research Description
My PhD research thesis aims to understand the influence of Biochar & Biochar- fertilizer applications on indigenous Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi diversity, Phosphorus solubilization and maize growth in Kwale (semi arid coastal areas with ferralsols) and Embu (Highland areas with Humic Nitisols) counties in Kenya.
specializations
biomes
Joske Ruytinx
Joske Ruytinx
Affiliation
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Location
Brussel
Research Description
With my group, I study how mycorrhizal fungi function in their natural habitat, how environmental change impacts on their function and how this ultimately leads to evolution. Our work includes detailed studies on genetic adaptation towards heavy metals and explorative studies on radiation induced changes following the Fukushima nuclear accident.
specializations
biomes
Kennedy Masamba
Kennedy Masamba
Affiliation
Mzuzu University
Location
Mzuzu (Malawi)
Research Description
Lecturer in Genetics/Breeding at Mzuzu University. He is involved in teaching, research and outreach activities in forestry, agriculture, ecology, biodiversity conservation, land-scape restoration. He also has interest in mycorrhizae fungi research and its role in improving productivity agricultural and forest ecosystems (including raising seedlings). Kennedy is also pursuing PhD (Breeding).
specializations
biomes
Louisa Robinson Boyer
Louisa Robinson Boyer
Affiliation
NIAB
Location
Kent, UK
Research Description
Applied research for horticulture and other comercial crops. The group focuses on microbial soil amendment against biotic and abiotic stress, microbiome analysis and sustainable crop growing.
specializations
biomes
Marie-Charlott Petersdorf
Marie-Charlott Petersdorf
Affiliation
Radboud University
Location
Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Research Description
PhD student to research the microarthropod and mycorrhiza community of the Veluwe for future restoration
#NitrogenDeposition
#Oribatida
#SoilCommunity
specializations
biomes
McKenzie Stock
McKenzie Stock
Affiliation
New Mexico State University
Location
New Mexico, USA
Research Description
My research investigates fungal biodiversity in orchard agroecosystems and natural forests, focusing on how soil management practices influence fungal communities and nutrient cycling. By comparing agricultural systems with forests, I aim to explore the roles of fungi in ecologically-minded agriculture and climate resilience.
specializations
biomes
Michael Sakha
Michael Sakha
Affiliation
Kenyatta University
Location
Kenyatta University main campus
Research Description
My research is on the role of arbuscular mycorrhiza on carbon cylces processes
specializations
biomes
Mohamed Hijri
Mohamed Hijri
Affiliation
University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P)
Location
Morocco
Research Description
My research interests encompass plant-microbiome interaction, environmental microbiology, and mycology. My research program focuses on understanding mycorrhizal symbiosis, particularly the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis. My attention is specifically centered towards the fungus side of this symbiosis, known as AM fungi, which play a vital role in terrestrial ecosystems.
specializations
biomes
Naveen Dilawar
Naveen Dilawar
Affiliation
Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan
Location
Pakistan
Research Description
Potential of rhizospheric fungi to reduce copper and lead toxicity in Triticum aestivum L.
specializations
biomes
Nelly Jazmín Pacheco Cruz
Nelly Jazmín Pacheco Cruz
Affiliation
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Location
México
Research Description
Estudiante de doctorado. Especializada en la genética de la conservación de especies forestales en los bosques de la Sierra Juárez de Oaxaca, México. Interesada en los efectos del cambio climático y en las interacciones entre plantas y ecosistemas del suelo (hongos y bacterias).
specializations
biomes
Pablo Cornejo
Pablo Cornejo
Affiliation
Escuela de Agronomía, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Chile
Location
La Palma, Quillota, Región de Valparaíso, Chile
Research Description
Biotechnology of Soil Microorganisms; Soil and Environmental Sciences; Soil bioremediation; Extremophiles; Climate change and sustainability; Plant physiology and nutrition; Food production; Tolerance to abiotic stresses; Rhizosphere engineering, Design of biofertilizers; Arbuscular Mycorrhizas; Soil Yeasts; Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria
specializations
biomes
Paul Thomas
Paul Thomas
Affiliation
University of Stirling
Location
Isle of Bute, Scotland
Research Description
My research is primarily focused on edible ectomycorrhizal species and how we can develop cultivation of these novel crops. Other topics include: the response of species to climate change, community assemblages, interaction/dependence between different species and the distribution of genetic material in time and space (eg. mycophagy interactions).
specializations
biomes
Pratima Vasistha
Pratima Vasistha
Affiliation
The Energy and Resources Institute
Location
Gurugram, Haryana, India
Research Description
My primary research focus lies in harnessing the power of genomics to develop innovative solutions that promote a harmonious relationship between agriculture and the environment. Additionally, I'm passionate about exploring marine bioprospecting for the development of novel drugs and other valuable applications.
specializations
biomes
Prof. Jesus Perez-Moreno
Prof. Jesus Perez-Moreno
Affiliation
Colegio de Postgraduados, Campus Montecillo
Location
Texcoco, México
Research Description
Biodiversidad y ecología de hongos ectomicorrízicos en ecosistemas templados, subtropicales y tropicales. Biotecnología de inoculación con hongos ectomicorrízicos tendiente a reforestaciones exitosas y rehabilitación de ecosistemas forestales. Uso sostenible de hongos comestibles silvestres, como recurso forestal no maderable, para la conservación de ecosistemas naturales en los pueblos originarios de México.
specializations
biomes
Quinn Moon
Quinn Moon
Affiliation
University of Michigan (Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology)
Location
Ann Arbor, MI
Research Description
My research interests are within the nexus of ecology and evolutionary biology, studying the role of fungi in generating and maintaining biodiversity. Some current project I am currently working on include the mycobiome of the deep earth and deep sea, systematics of leotiomycetes, and fungal community assembly.
specializations
biomes
qmoon@umich.edu
Raquel Correa Delgado
Raquel Correa Delgado
Affiliation
INSTITUTO CANARIO DE INVESTIGACIONES AGRARIAS
Location
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, ISLAS CANARIAS, ESPAÑA, EUROPA
Research Description
I am a biologist, with a specialisation in agroforestry biotechnology. I am in my last year of my phD. I research beneficial soil microorganisms such as mycorrhizae and Trichoderma populations to look for bioindicators of microbial community in agroecosystems in the Canary Islands in the Macaronesian region.
specializations
biomes
Simone Graziosi
Simone Graziosi
Affiliation
University of Bologna
Location
Bologna, Italy
Research Description
Ectomycorrhizal ecologicy and cultivation of ectomycorrhizal mushrooms. Truffle cultivation
specializations
biomes
Tonjock Rosemary Kinge
Tonjock Rosemary Kinge
Affiliation
1) University of Bamenda 2)Bamenda University of Science and Technology
Location
Cameroon
Research Description
I am a Mycologist and Phytopathologist. My research is focused on fungi taxonomy and diversity using traditional approach as well as modern molecular approach of species and community barcoding. I utilize Sanger and Illumina sequencing. I also work on climate change, plant and fungal conservation and restoration of degraded land.
specializations
biomes
Trupti Sharma
Trupti Sharma
Affiliation
Wageningen University, The Netherlands
Location
Hyderabad, Telangana India
Research Description
I study AM fungi, ancient biotrophic fungi vital for plant nutrient uptake. Despite significance, their genetics remain elusive. I developed single nucleus isolation protocol to address this knowledge gap. Additionally, I explore mycorrhizal symbiosis in Parasponia-Trema, which parallels nodule symbiosis, to understand the evolution of symbiotic traits in plant-microbe relationships.
specializations
biomes
William Watson Guido
William Watson Guido
Affiliation
Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica
Location
Cartago, Costa Rica
Research Description
Estudio de la intercomunicación entre plantas mediada por redes micorrícicas comúnes
specializations
biomes
Zoirjon Islomiddinov
Zoirjon Islomiddinov
Affiliation
The laboratory of mycology of Institute of Botany of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Location
Uzbekistan
Research Description
Currently, I am conducting research on "Macrofungi of Zamiin National Nature Park." During my research, I am doing these tasks: Identification of all macrofungi species; Division into all ecological groups (ECM, trophic structure, etc.); Molecular analysis.
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