Science Associates / Specialization:
Fungal Bioinformatics
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
Afolakemi Abibat ALIMI
Afolakemi Abibat ALIMI
Affiliation
University of Johannesburg, South Africa
Location
South Africa
Research Description
My research employs high-throughput sequencing to study fungal biogeography in natural and agroecosystems. I have explored the arbuscular mycorrhizal diversity in roots and soils of indigenous legumes in semi-arid South Africa. Currently, I am examining Fusarium community ecology and biodiversity in the South African grassland biome.
specializations
biomes
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
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
Alija Bajro Mujic
Alija Bajro Mujic
Affiliation
California State University, Fresno
Location
Fresno, California, United States of America
Research Description
I am broadly interested in the systematics, evolutionary biology, and ecology of fungi. Specifically, I am fascinated by ectomycorrhizal symbioses and their influence on plant establishment, forest community structure, and ecosystem stability. I've recently been interested in identifying novel fungal secondary metabolites and their biomedical applications.
specializations
biomes
Amy Honan
Amy Honan
Affiliation
Oregon State University
Location
Crested Butte, Colorado, USA
Research Description
Fungal Biodiversity
specializations
biomes
Angela Vanessa Alvarez Coral
Angela Vanessa Alvarez Coral
Affiliation
University of Nariño
Location
Colombia
Research Description
Study of fungi in high Andean ecosystems in southern Colombia: taxonomy, diversity, and conservation.
specializations
biomes
Anna Fijarczyk
Anna Fijarczyk
Affiliation
Natural Resources Canada
Location
Montreal, Canada
Research Description
I use genomics to investigate climate adaptation in boreal and temperate forests, as well as fungal evolution. I am interested in exploring the biodiversity of forest microbial communities and the role plant-microbe interactions play in strengthening tree resilience to global change.
specializations
biomes
Asa Dant
Asa Dant
Affiliation
University of Edinburgh
Location
Edinburgh, Scotland
Research Description
Investigating how regenerative agriculture affects soil health, with a particular focus on soil organic matter, soil aggregates and microbes.
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
Basiru Sulaimon
Basiru Sulaimon
Affiliation
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University
Location
Morocco
Research Description
My research focuses on the functional diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), as well as their involvement in nutrient biogeochemical cycling, especially the carbon and nitrogen cycle. I am also interested in the interactions of AMF with other plant mycobiomes particularly pathogenic fungi.
specializations
biomes
Ben Jesuorsemwen Enagbonma
Ben Jesuorsemwen Enagbonma
Affiliation
University of Benin
Location
Nigeria
Research Description
Ben Jesuorsemwen Enagbonma researches sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and microbial biotechnology, focusing on the rhizosphere microbiome. He examines plant-microbe interactions in nutrient cycling, stress resilience, and ecosystem sustainability. He integrates microbial ecology, genomics, and biopesticide development to promote climate-resilient, eco-friendly agriculture.
specializations
biomes
Bolaji Thanni
Bolaji Thanni
Affiliation
KULeuven, Belgium
Location
Belgium
Research Description
I am soil scientist and agronomic ecologist who is infinitely amazed by the environment—its beauty and vastness. My research seeks to particularly understand the biological and physiological underlying mechanisms and responses of plants to the cause-and-effect relationship between plants and microbes, especially AMF.
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
Diogo Henrique Costa de Rezende
Diogo Henrique Costa de Rezende
Affiliation
Universidade Federal do Ceará / Federal University of Ceará
Location
Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
Research Description
specializations
biomes
dhcrezende@ufc.br
Dora Chao Kilalo
Dora Chao Kilalo
Affiliation
University of Nairobi
Location
Kenya
Research Description
I am a lecturer in Crop Protection at the University of Nairobi, specializing in plant pathology, biological pest control, and sustainable agriculture. My work includes supervising research on fungal diseases in sorghum, exploring the use of Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana to manage storage and field pests, and studying arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in relation to crop health and agricultural practices. I also support community efforts to promote mushroom cultivation as an alternative protein source in dryland regions.
specializations
biomes
dchao@uonbi.ac.ke
Dr MD Sabdar Rahaman
Dr MD Sabdar Rahaman
Affiliation
Bangabasi Evening College affiliated to University of Calcutta
Location
Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Research Description
Taxonomy, Biodiversity, Metabarcoding of Fern and Mycorrhizal Diversity.
specializations
biomes
Dr. Amna Imran
Dr. Amna Imran
Affiliation
University of the Punjab
Location
Pakistan
Research Description
My research explores ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity in Pakistan’s Himalayan temperate forests using metagenomics and next-generation sequencing (NGS). By integrating high-throughput sequencing with phylogenetic (ITS, LSU markers) and ecological analyses, I aim to uncover fungal community structures, their ecological roles, and applications in conservation and sustainable forest management.
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
Emilio José Mariscal Flores
Emilio José Mariscal Flores
Affiliation
University of Panamá-Professor
Location
Panamá; Coclé Province; Penonomé district
Research Description
Working with undergraduate students at University of Panamá in the Agronomy Faculty into Agroforestry Engineering, ones of our objective is strengthen their capabilities understanding how the soil and their microorganisms working on. Under this focus, We will try to evaluate the total fungal and mycorrhizal community richness and composition that will vary with elevation due to changes in climatic influences, in addition to soil characteristics and the influence of vegetation. For that, we will be establishing plots to collect data at several sites across the Comarca Gnabe Bouglé in partnership with GCBC -STRI project. In addition our students must be using Labs from STRI to study molecular (DNA) and sequencing of fungal and mycorrhizal working with Saltonstall Kristin Dr.
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
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
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
HOUNWANOU Basile Gbètondji
HOUNWANOU Basile Gbètondji
Affiliation
Tropical Mycology and plant-soil fungi interactions (University of Parakou)
Location
Benin
Research Description
My research focuses on plant-fungi interactions, particularly mycorrhizal fungi. I study the rhizosphere mycobiome of forest trees and how plant traits affect its assembly, as well as the Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated with major crops in Benin and their role in stress tolerance and productivity.
specializations
biomes
Iker Yturralde
Iker Yturralde
Affiliation
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Location
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Research Description
I am interested in plant-microbe interactions, categorically fungal symbioses in marine and coastal systems, and I am passionate about bridging the local research to implementation gap by exploring real world applications for conservation and restoration. Currently, I am investigating the seagrass microbiome, specifically associated marine fungi, on O’ahu, Hawai’i.
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
Jack Orebaugh
Jack Orebaugh
Affiliation
Oak Ridge National Lab
Location
United States
Research Description
Investigation of plant~fungal interactions centering around organic matter decomposition, stress response, and disturbance affects utilizing -Omics approaches, spectroscopy, and computational methods. The goal of my work is to understand how plant~fungal interactions impact ecosystem ecology and how we can scale up from lab to ecosystem scale.
specializations
biomes
Jean Evans Israël CODJIA
Jean Evans Israël CODJIA
Affiliation
Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)
Location
Kunming, Yunnan, China
Research Description
My research involves extensive field collections, and the combination of traditional taxonomic methods with state-of-the-art molecular techniques to enhance our understanding of the global diversity, distribution, and evolutionary history of Fungi. Additionally, I’m interested in conducting research that investigates the role of fungal communities in nutrient cycling and ecosystem resilience.
specializations
biomes
Jenny Vivian
Jenny Vivian
Affiliation
University of the Sunshine Coast
Location
Australia & Philippines
Research Description
Understanding of the development of plantations by analysing above and below-ground aspects.
specializations
biomes
Jess Rubin
Jess Rubin
Affiliation
MycoEvolve & University of Vermont
Location
United States
Research Description
We restore degraded riparian habitats via replacing nonnative monocultures with native polycultures, investigating the role of endemic mycorrhizae to mitigate phosphorus pollution and increase pollinator habitat while facilitating Abenaki land access and tracking succession through soil and plant surveys accompanied by eco-literacy fostering educational programs in the bioregional community.
specializations
biomes
yepeth@gmail.com
Kenkwo Promise
Kenkwo Promise
Affiliation
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Nigeria.
Location
Umudike, Nigeria
Research Description
My research focuses on plant-mycorrhizal fungi especially the AMF and their activities in agricultural ecosystems, exploring their potentials as bio control agents for root rot pathogens.
specializations
biomes
Kennedy Ododa
Kennedy Ododa
Affiliation
Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Location
Hungary
Research Description
Spatial temporal compositional dynamics of fungal communities in old-growth and new regenerating forests
specializations
biomes
Kennedy Ododa
Kennedy Ododa
Affiliation
Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Location
Hungary
Research Description
Spatial temporal compositional dynamics of fungal communities in old-growth and new regenerating forests
specializations
biomes
Laura Van Galen
Laura Van Galen
Affiliation
ETH University, SPUN
Location
Zürich, Switzerland
Research Description
I am a postdoctoral researcher at both ETH Zurich and SPUN, and I work with global-scale models to better understand the ecology and distribution of fungi around the world. I also work with eDNA from soils to improve our understanding of how fungal communities influence forest ecosystems (particularly with ectomycorrhizal fungi), as well as glasshouse experiments (involving both ectomycorrhiza and ericoid mycorrhizae).
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
Luis Alberto Lara Pérez
Luis Alberto Lara Pérez
Affiliation
Tecnologico Nacional de México campus Instituto Tecnológico de la Zona Maya
Location
Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Research Description
Diversity and ecology of Glomeromycota in natural systems, agroecosystems, and forest systems through taxonomy and molecular systematics. Additionally, I am interested in analyzing the role of soil microbiota in plant growth and development, and how it influences the fitness of insects (Lepidoptera).
specializations
biomes
Luke Florence
Luke Florence
Affiliation
La Trobe University
Location
Melbourne, Australia
Research Description
I explore mycorrhizal and nitrogen-fixing associations by mapping the diversity of tree symbiotic guilds and their fungal and bacterial partners in Australian forests. My research spans national (all forests) to bioregional (broad-leaf temperate forests) scales. I aim to identify diversity hot-spots and primary global change threats to these vital partnerships.
specializations
biomes
Meirong Chen
Meirong Chen
Affiliation
University of Tartu
Location
Estonia
Research Description
fungal diversity; fungal preference on different substrates.
specializations
biomes
Mercy Veyeh Ngwang
Mercy Veyeh Ngwang
Affiliation
The University of Bamenda
Location
Bamenda, Cameroon
Research Description
Agriculture Fungal Biodiversity, Fungal Taxonomy, Fungal Bioinformatics, Fungal Traits, Conservation, Forestry, Fungal Restoration, Genetics, and Forestry
specializations
biomes
mercyveyeh@gmail.com
Niloufar Hagh-Doust
Niloufar Hagh-Doust
Affiliation
University of Tartu
Location
Tartu, Estonia
Research Description
Niloufar Hagh Doust is an ecologist with a special interest in fungal ecology, forest ecology, community ecology, plant-microbe interactions, beneficial symbionts, climate change, and carbon & nutrient cycling. Her research mostly focuses on the ecology of plant-associated microbes (Especially fungi) and their potential benefits in forestry and agriculture.
specializations
biomes
Paola Torres-Andrade
Paola Torres-Andrade
Affiliation
University of Cauca
Location
Popayan, Cauca, Colombia
Research Description
BSc in Biology, MS and PhD in Wood Science with 10+ years of experience in wood decay research. Expertise in fungi affecting wood, including stains, molds, and decay fungi. Proficient in molecular techniques, wood decay testing, and statistical analyses of fungal communities in laboratory and field settings.
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
Premsagar Korripally
Premsagar Korripally
Affiliation
Mahatma Gandhi University
Location
Telangana, India
Research Description
Dr. K. Premsagar research expertise lies in Characterization of metal ion transporters from Neurospora crassa and their role in life cycle development and fungal biodegradation of lignocellulose. Currently working on Trichoderma metal ion transporters, isolation of fungal biofertilizers from hill and mountain areas in Nalgonda region.
specializations
biomes
korripally@gmail.com
Rafaela Araujo Ferreira Gurgel
Rafaela Araujo Ferreira Gurgel
Affiliation
National Institute for Amazonian Research
Location
Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil
Research Description
I research Brazilian fungal diversity, especially in white sand ecosystems (Campinaranas) in the Amazon rainforest, with a focus on ectomycorrhizal fungi.
specializations
biomes
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
Ricardo Arraiano Castilho
Ricardo Arraiano Castilho
Affiliation
University of Lausanne
Location
Lausanne, Switzerland
Research Description
Posdoctoral researcher studying how soil fungal communities interact with other members of the soil microbiome and how the outcome of these interactions influence ecosystem processes. Passionate about Fungi, my main research interests are the diversity, ecology, and evolution of these organisms and how they interact with their surrounding environment.
specializations
biomes
Rodolfo Salas-Lizana
Rodolfo Salas-Lizana
Affiliation
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Location
Mexico City
Research Description
Our team studies systematics and taxonomy of several macro and microfungi, including important ectomycorrizal taxa, like Clavulina and Thelephora as well as foliar endophytes. We use traditional as well as novel approaches and data to better understand the evolution and ecology of these fungi.
specializations
biomes
Romuald Oba
Romuald Oba
Affiliation
University of Yaoundé I
Location
Yaoundé, Cameroon
Research Description
Investigation of soil fungi diversity and its impact in plants resilience mechanisms towards climate change.
specializations
biomes
Sara Cazzaniga
Sara Cazzaniga
Affiliation
ETH Zürich
Location
Zürich, Switzerland
Research Description
Investigating the role of soil microbes in ecosystem restoration
specializations
biomes
Silvia Natal David Mausse-Sitoe
Silvia Natal David Mausse-Sitoe
Affiliation
Eduardo Mondlane University
Location
Mozambique
Research Description
My research primarily focuses on understanding the interactions between soil microorganisms and their environment. This includes studying how microbial communities contribute to soil health, nutrient cycling, and plant growth. My work also explores how environmental factors, such as climate change, land management practices, and soil contamination, affect microbial populations and ecosystem services. By examining these interactions, I aim to develop sustainable agricultural practices and environmental management strategies to improve soil health and promote biodiversity.
specializations
biomes
Stefania Cevallos Solórzano
Stefania Cevallos Solórzano
Affiliation
Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja
Location
Ecuador
Research Description
PhD in Agricultural Sciences and Biological Engineering from the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium. She holds a degree in Biology from the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Ecuador. She teaches several subjects, including Cell Biology and Molecular Biology, at the UTPL (University of La Paz), both undergraduate and graduate levels. She is a member of the Microbial Systems Ecology and Evolution (MS2E) research group and researcher on projects related to plant-fungus interactions.
specializations
biomes
Stefanie Lutz
Stefanie Lutz
Affiliation
University of Zurich
Location
Zurich, Switzerland
Research Description
My work focuses on optimizing plant-beneficial soil and root microbiomes through both indirect methods, such as identifying and promoting beneficial management practices, and direct methods, including field inoculations. Additionally, I investigate the context-dependencies of field inoculations with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and the predictability of their success.
specializations
biomes
stefanie.lutz@uzh.ch
Sujai Kumar
Sujai Kumar
Affiliation
SPUN | Society for the Protection of Underground Networks
Location
Edinburgh, Scotland
Research Description
I help create tools and pipelines for storing, analysing, and disseminating mycorrhizal data
specializations
biomes
Sujai Kumar
Sujai Kumar
Affiliation
SPUN
Location
Edinburgh, Scotland
Research Description
I help create tools and pipelines for storing, analysing, and disseminating mycorrhizal data
specializations
biomes
Syed Nasir Ahmad
Syed Nasir Ahmad
Affiliation
University of Kashmir
Location
India
Research Description
My research focuses on fungal diversity in soil microbiomes of treeline species in the Greater Himalayan region of Kashmir, emphasizing mycorrhizal fungi's role. I am trying to investigate how these fungi influence plant survival, growth, and establishment, assessing their functional significance in shaping ecosystem dynamics under changing environmental conditions.
specializations
biomes
TCHAN ISSIFOU Kassim
TCHAN ISSIFOU Kassim
Affiliation
NGO AVENIR ALAFIA, Parakou, Benin
Location
Parakou, Benin
Research Description
Doctor of Agronomy, specialist in mycobiome of forest and agricultural soils, cropping systems and sustainable land management measures. I am also a trainer on issues related to environmental education, organic farming, improvement of agricultural yields and regeneration of native forest trees.
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
Urmila Mallick
Urmila Mallick
Affiliation
Yale University
Location
New Haven, Connecticut, USA
Research Description
My research explores the impacts of domestic and wild megaherbivores on mycorrhizal dynamics and ecosystem carbon balance in tropical and boreal systems. I apply methods across soil ecology, biogeochemistry, ecosystem ecology, and conservation biology to assess how animals mediate aboveground/belowground processes and can be incorporated into nature-based climate solutions.
specializations
biomes
Wei Fu
Wei Fu
Affiliation
Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Location
Beijing, China
Research Description
My research focuses on mycorrhizal community ecology under climate change. By using high-throughput sequencing, I am trying to understand the natural diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, unravel their responses to shifting climates, and uncover their crucial ecological functions in these changing environments.
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