Other: Fungal DNA Barcoding (for species identification)

WHERE: Online via Zoom (link below)

We will go over the basics of fungal DNA extraction and the process it undergoes to amplify it for species identification. As part of this, we will discuss why specific regions of mushrooms that are used for identification, what a species is, and what are the limitations of DNA identification. This class will not go over the technical aspects of DNA sequencing, but will focus rather on the biology behind it. Part lecture and part interactive discussion, we will get deep into the fun philosophical discussion of how we define species.

ABOUT THE GUEST SPEAKER

Dr. Liz Bowman is a fungal ecologist specializing in the relationship between plants and fungi. Her research has focused on mycorrhizal, endophytic, and soil communities in various ecosystems, including the unique sky islands of Arizona, as well as mesquite savannahs in Texas, and Kenya. Currently, she is leading innovative environmental efforts at Hiro Technologies in Austin, Texas, where she is developing an approach to break down and degrade plastics using fungi. Liz is passionate about citizen science and science communication. She has conducted numerous talks, as well as mushroom walks with various groups in Austin with her partner and two daughters, Alice and Nora.