Biodiversity and Phylogeny of Marasmius from Madagascar (Published Results)

Jackie Shay is a budding mycologist and systems biologist currently pursuing her doctorate at the University of California at Merced. Last May she graduated from San Francisco State University with her master’s degree in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology with Dr. Dennis Desjardin. She focused her thesis on the wonderful diversity and taxonomy of Marasmius from Madagascar. Her work has recently been accepted for publication in Phytotaxa, a first for Jackie in her academic career! She is excited to share her findings with you this month.

Jackie is currently exploring the role fungi and bacteria as they function in the microbiome of monkey flower plants. In particular, she is curious how the microbiome influences the host’s ability to evolve and adapt rapidly in a changing climate. Jackie is dedicated to bringing awareness to plant-fungal symbiosis. Please come enjoy the beauty of decomposing fungi in Madagascar and learn about the genus Marasmius in the final chapter in this journey through evolution.