Professor
Department: Plant Sciences & Plant Pathology
University System: Montana State University - Bozeman
Website(s): http://plantsciences.montana.edu/alpinemushrooms/investigators/principal.html
Professional Summary:
Our lab examines basic and applied aspects of higher fungi, particularly in extreme environments such as the alpine life zone and high-elevation forests. Currently, we are focused on the ectomycorrhizal fungi associated with whitebark pine and the biodiversity/biogeography of true alpine fungi in the Rocky Mountains. Whitebark pine forests are in serious decline in the West due to blister rust, mountain pine beetles, fire suppression and climate change. This landscape-scale changes from forest decline will affect hydrologic dynamics at the top of watersheds. We are currently involved in large restoration efforts in MT, ID, Yellowstone, Glacier and Waterton Parks through inoculation of out-planted seedlings with native mycorrhizal fungi specific for this 5-needle pine. I am also involved with a group of global Arctic Alpine mycologists studying fungi above treeline.
•B.S. School of Natural Resources University of Michigan
•M.S. Biology (Mycology) Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI) 1993
•Ph.D. Biology (Mycology) Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI) 1995