Science Associates / Specialization:
Fungal Traits
AIGNON Lougbégnon Hyppolite
AIGNON Lougbégnon Hyppolite
Affiliation
Land, Environment and Global Life NGO
Location
Benin
Research Description
I work on the fungal diversity with the description of news species, fungal taxonomy and phylogeny, metabarcoding, as well as the assessment of the fungal toxicity in West Africa. In addition, I study the effect of climate change on the soil microbial community.
specializations
biomes
Akihiro Koyama
Akihiro Koyama
Affiliation
Michigan State University
Location
East Lansing, Michigan, USA
Research Description
My research goal is to better understand plant-microbe interactions in the rhizosphere and their roles in ecosystem processes. Specifically, I want to study how interactions between plants and soil microbes shape ecosystem-level processes, such as nutrient cycling and plant community dynamics, across space and time, in response to changing environments.
specializations
biomes
Alessandra Monteiro de Paula
Alessandra Monteiro de Paula
Affiliation
Universidade de Brasília
Location
Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brasil
Research Description
Pesquisas com a comunidade de fungos micorrízicos arbusculares em áreas agrícolas e de savana brasileira (Cerrado)
specializations
biomes
alessandramp@unb.br
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
Anne M. Katula
Anne M. Katula
Affiliation
University of Miami
Location
Miami, Florida
Research Description
I study microbial community ecology in the arctic and the tropics. I am most interested in how global change factors drive microbial communities and mycorrhizal fungal traits.
specializations
biomes
Aryaman Gupta
Aryaman Gupta
Affiliation
Universty of Oxford
Location
Oxford, UK
Research Description
My primary research interest is in trying to understand what kind of relationship mycorrhizal fungi forge between the plants that they connect (is it more like a stock market or mutual aid)? How do mycorrhizal fungal networks enable ecosystem self-organisation, and what role does ecosystem engineering play in this process?
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
Cameron Egan
Cameron Egan
Affiliation
University of Southern California
Location
Los Angeles
Research Description
I am fascinated by the diversity of fungi in nature and am driven to understand it. My research program is revealing fundamental reasons we observe the diversity of mycorrhizal fungi across a diversity of ecosystems. I apply fundamental knowledge gained to help tackle important ecological challenges (restoration, conservation, invasive species).
specializations
biomes
Carlos Aguilar-Trigueros
Carlos Aguilar-Trigueros
Affiliation
University of Jyväskylä
Location
Research Description
I love fungi and I am fascinated by their morphology. In my research, I want to establish how spore morphology predict the dispersal strategies of fungi as well as how the mycelium morphology predict the impact of fungi on soil carbon budgets.
specializations
biomes
Catalina Alicia Guerra León
Catalina Alicia Guerra León
Affiliation
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Location
Santiago, Chile
Research Description
Wroking on mycorrhiza control over SOM dynamics in mediterranean forests of Chile. Assessing the impact of increased relative abundance of EcM systems due to pine plantation for timber production and cellulose.
specializations
biomes
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
Claire Willing
Claire Willing
Affiliation
University of Washington
Location
Seattle, WA, USA
Research Description
At the confluence of fungal ecology, plant community ecology, and plant physiological ecology, Claire and her lab investigate the impact of climate change on plant mycobiomes and the consequences for ecosystem resistance and resilience. They employ a variety of tools and methods, including DNA sequencing, bioinformatics, stable isotope ecology, stomatal gas exchange, and field and manipulative greenhouse experiments to better understand the often-overlooked microbial components of forest systems on their ability to adapt and respond to a changing climate.
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 Johnson
David Johnson
Affiliation
The University of Manchester
Location
Manchester, UK
Research Description
Ecology of mycorrhizal fungi; Plant-soil interactions
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. Adriana L. Romero-Olivares
Dr. Adriana L. Romero-Olivares
Affiliation
New Mexico State University
Location
Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA
Research Description
Responses and adaptation of fungi to global climate change and impacts to biogeochemical cycles.
specializations
biomes
Dr. Carolin Schneider
Dr. Carolin Schneider
Affiliation
Inoq GmbH
Location
Schnega, Germany
Research Description
- Benefits of Plant Growth Promoting Microorganisms (PGPM): Highly effective strains, encapsulation, seed coating
- Mycorrhiza/PGPM: Physiology, markers and predictive tools, strategies for mastering colonization/beneficial effects on crop production, tracking introduced strains
- Quality control of mycorrhizal fungi as microbial plant biostimulants, member of CEN-TC 455 'Biostimulants for future'
specializations
biomes
schneider@inoq.de
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
Eduardo Pérez-Pazos
Eduardo Pérez-Pazos
Affiliation
University of Minnesota
Location
Minnesota, USA
Research Description
Fungal ecology focused on the role of priority effects on community assembly processes
specializations
biomes
perez844@umn.edu
Eric Pereira
Eric Pereira
Affiliation
Australian National University
Location
Canberra - Australia
Research Description
Currently, my research explores mycorrhizal associations in orchids.
specializations
biomes
Farah Shafiq
Farah Shafiq
Affiliation
Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu
Location
Estonia, Pakistan
Research Description
My research focuses on spatial and temporal dynamics of fungal and arthropod communities within anthropogenic environments. By utilizing high-throughput sequencing and collaborating with citizen scientists, we aim to enhance our grasp of microbial distribution, identify influential factors, and unravel intricate interactions among diverse microbial taxa within urban and rural ecosystems.
specializations
biomes
Fay Voller
Fay Voller
Affiliation
Edge Hill University
Location
Ormskirk, UK
Research Description
I work on ectomycorrhizal fungi. Using data from field experiments and surveys and using culture based experiments. I use Sanger sequencing and HTS to establish community composition. I'm interested in learning more about the interactions between difference ectomycorrhizal fungal species, their spatial distribution and host preferences.
specializations
biomes
Gabriel Grilli
Gabriel Grilli
Affiliation
IMBIV - CONICET
Location
Córdoba, Argentina
Research Description
Assessing the impact of land use changes on interactions such as mycorrhizae, pollination, and herbivory, and how they influence the development and productivity of plants in complex agro-ecosystems. This research focuses on understanding the effects on floral characteristics and primary productivity of both cultivated and non-cultivated species.
specializations
biomes
Guillermo Bueno
Guillermo Bueno
Affiliation
Pyrenean Institute of Ecology
Location
Jaca, Spain
Research Description
I explore biotic interactions' impact on plant communities, focusing on mycorrhizal and rhizobial symbioses. My research investigates ecological responses to global changes, emphasizing plant mycorrhizal traits' distribution and their role in ecosystems. I employ various approaches to understand these dynamics across different spatial scales.
specializations
biomes
Haiyang Zhang
Haiyang Zhang
Affiliation
Hebei University
Location
Hebei China
Research Description
arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; plant-fungal interactions; biological nitrogen fixation; symbiosis; soil nutrient cycling and biogeochemistry
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
Hazel Marsden
Hazel Marsden
Affiliation
The James Hutton Institute
Location
Dundee, Scotland
Research Description
Investigating the interactions of AMF on Phytophthora diseases of soft fruit
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
John Yangyuoru Kupagme
John Yangyuoru Kupagme
Affiliation
University of Tartu
Location
Tartu, Estonia
Research Description
My research focuses on the richness of soil fungal communities, especially in Africa; plant-fungal interactions; their effects on ecosystems; and the application of these interactions to enhance agricultural productivity in Africa and beyond. I use high-throughput techniques to evaluate biodiversity using eDNA metabarcoding to improve our understanding of soil fungi.
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
Juliana Silva Rodrigues Cabral
Juliana Silva Rodrigues Cabral
Affiliation
Universidade de Rio Verde
Location
Rio Verde - Goiás - Brasil
Research Description
I work with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi from the Brazilian Cerrado, evaluating their biodiversity in the Biome and application in large crops and fruit trees. In addition to research focusing on the physiological and biochemical traits of plants when in the presence of these organisms in the face of climate change.
specializations
biomes
jsrcabral@gmail.com
Kian Jenab
Kian Jenab
Affiliation
University of Vienna
Location
Vienna, Austria
Research Description
The effect of long-term (>70 years) deficiencies of N, P and K on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, especially in family and exploration-based functional guilds
specializations
biomes
kian.jenab@yahoo.com
Klara Scharnagl
Klara Scharnagl
Affiliation
University Herbarium, UC Berkeley
Location
Berkeley, CA, USA
Research Description
I study the ecology, evolution, and physiology of fungal symbioses, including both mycorrhizal fungi and lichens. I study these systems through the lens of human impact and global change.
specializations
biomes
Laura Yahdjian
Laura Yahdjian
Affiliation
University of Buenos Aires, Facultad de Agronomia. IFEVA-CONICET
Location
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Research Description
My broad scale research interests focus on the effects of global change on both, natural and managed terrestrial ecosystems. My attention has concentrated on ecosystem-level issues such as sensitivity of grasslands to drought, consequences of livestock grazing on primary production and carbon storage, and effects of plant invasions on biodiversity. My field sites cover a range of natural and human modified ecosystems in the Patagonia and Pampas region of Argentina, where I am studying changes in biological soil crusts with grazing intensity and the impacts of nutrients in plant - soil biota interactions.
specializations
biomes
Liz Koziol
Liz Koziol
Affiliation
University of Kansas
Location
Lawrence, KS, USA
Research Description
Dr. Liz Koziol, a distinguished plant-microbe ecologist at the University of Kansas, is a trailblazer in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi research. With two decades of dedication, she leads mycorrhizal inoculation trials, aids native grassland restoration, and explores cropping systems. Through MycoBloom and curatorship at INVAM, her pioneering work advances ecological sustainability.
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
Mark Worthing
Mark Worthing
Affiliation
Awinakola Foundation
Location
Coastal British Columbia
Research Description
Exploration of at-risk old growth forests and cultural keystone ecosystems in coastal rain-forests of British Columbia with an emphasis on Kwakwaka'wakw territories of Northern Vancouver Island and Southern Great Bear Rainforest.
specializations
biomes
Meirong Chen
Meirong Chen
Affiliation
University of Tartu
Location
Estonia
Research Description
fungal diversity; fungal preference on different substrates.
specializations
biomes
Michael Remke
Michael Remke
Affiliation
New Mexico Highlands University
Location
Las Vegas, NM
Research Description
My research focuses on mycorrhizal interactions in the context of arid land restoration and drought. My research goals are to better understand how drought and mycorrhizal interactions influence plant growth along environmental gradients. I use ecological stoichiometry and and the law of the minimum to advance our theoretical framework.
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
Natalia Veronica Fernandez
Natalia Veronica Fernandez
Affiliation
Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) - Universidad Nacional del Comahue (UNComahue)
Location
San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, ARGENTINA
Research Description
Bioecology of mycorrhizas and associated fungi in natural and human-modified environments; Taxonomic and functional diversity of mycorrhizas; Direct and indirect ecosystem services provided by mycorrhizas; Search for fungal species with biotechnological potential for application in various aspects of everyday life, remediation and restoration of natural environments; Fungi and global change.
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
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
Rodica Pena
Rodica Pena
Affiliation
Transilvania University of Brasov, Romania
Location
Brasov, Romania
Research Description
My research has focused on beneficial plant-fungal interactions, particularly mycorrhizal symbiosis, the ecosystem services they provide, and the interaction of multiple abiotic or biotic factors on their efficiency in improving plant nutrition. Additionally, I seek to understand the functional diversity patterns of mycorrhizal fungal communities in temperate forests.
specializations
biomes
Sarah Cuprewich
Sarah Cuprewich
Affiliation
Dartmouth College
Location
USA
Research Description
My research focuses on the dispersal of soil fungi, with a particular emphasis on animal-mediated dispersal of mycorrhizal fungi. I also use spore traits to predict dispersal modality and help inform restoration practices.
specializations
biomes
Solomon Maerowitz-McMahan
Solomon Maerowitz-McMahan
Affiliation
Western Sydney University- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment
Location
Sydney, Australia
Research Description
Fungal traits post-disturbance
specializations
biomes
Stephen Russell
Stephen Russell
Affiliation
Mycota Lab
Location
Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Research Description
We are currently working towards completing an above-ground survey of North American macrofungi. Thus far our lab has DNA barcoded over 40,000 specimens from North America. Our goal is 100,000 new specimens over the next 10 years, on top of our current level. We primarily accomplish this through large collaborations with citizen scientists across the continent. Our week-long events have attracted over 1,000 unique citizen scientists within the last year. https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/continental-mycoblitz
We are also starting to replicate this below-ground. We are aiming to process thousands of soil samples per year from North America, beginning in 2024.
specializations
biomes
T. Bertie Ansell
T. Bertie Ansell
Affiliation
Stanford University
Location
California, USA
Research Description
I am interested in the molecular dialogue between plants, mycorrhizal fungi and bacteria during community formation. I apply electron tomography and light microscopy to study the structural organisation of community interactions during symbiosis and how the mechanisms of molecular transport inform our understanding of planetary health.
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
Vatsala Koul
Vatsala Koul
Affiliation
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), New Delhi, India
Location
New Delhi, India
Research Description
I am a Microbial Geneticist, working to unravel plant-microbe interactions in the rhizosphere. Our team has successfully harnessed native, beneficial microbial interactions in soil and developed a functionally advanced Mycorrhiza Biofertilizer. This commercial product exploits the Mycorrhiza and its associated biofilm-forming bacteria to enhance crop yield and soil health .
specializations
biomes
Vineet Vishal
Vineet Vishal
Affiliation
Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University
Location
India
Research Description
In a world of scientific breakthroughs, the solution to our most pressing problems could be right under our noses. Mushroom diversity holds great promise and potential for exploration, experimentation, and amelioration of the environment. My research interests are: Mushroom Diversity and Mycorrhizosphere Microbiome
specializations
biomes
Walter Huaraca Huasco
Walter Huaraca Huasco
Affiliation
University of Oxford and National University of Saint Anthony the Abad in Cuzco
Location
Cusco, Peru
Research Description
Horizontal and vertical precipitation effect on above-belowground carbon cycle and microbial community in upper montane forests
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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