Botany & Mycology

My research is focused on the biodiversity and taxonomy of fungi. Because millions of species of fungi are unknown to science, my work involves naming and describing new species. I am especially interested in understudied groups, such as insect-associated parasites and rare mushrooms in New York State. I am conducting a long-term survey of fungal diversity in the capital region to document local species, as well as monitor how they may respond to climate change. My research also involves using modern molecular techniques to re-examine the historic mycological collection housed here at NYSM.