About_Mycena
My·ce·na /maɪˈsiːnə/
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Mycena researchers travel the globe capturing images of rare and alluring fungi, showcasing the little-known biodiversity of fungi on our home planet.
The fungi we photograph are DNA sequenced as part of an ongoing community-wide effort to catalog fungal species and preserve records of biodiversity.
Networks of humans are accomplishing the monumental task of assigning names to these unknown fungi. Mycena researchers are on the forefront of biodiversity cataloging
Taxonomists have only formally described
3% of the 3 million species
of fungi that are estimated to exist.
Molecular Mycology is the branch of science that detangles fungal relationships and lineages with modern molecular methods.
Small snapshots of DNA called ‘barcodes’ act as fingerprints and the unique genomic scripts of each species are interpreted.
Together we embark on journeys of discovery in under-investigated territories, documenting fungal diversity on the edges of the explorable world, toward unveiling the mysteries of the hidden kingdom that thrives beneath our feet.
Mycena Team
Alan Rockefeller
founder
Seasoned mycologist Alan Rockefeller brings over two decades of expertise in studying fungi. Specializing in field photography, microscopy, identification, and the mushroom diversity of Mexico, Alan leads forays across the globe. His extensive contributions to community science have been widespread, sparking interest and discovery in the hearts of many with his groundbreaking DNA sequencing workshops. Alan has identified close to one million fungi online.
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Mandie Quark
founder
Molecular mycologist and science writer Mandie Quark is a genomic researcher with a passion for the advancement of community mycology. Director of the CA MycoMap Network and Senior Researcher at the Ohio Mushroom DNA Lab, Mandie is dedicated to building and empowering networks of community mycologists to document fungal diversity across North America, and beyond. Currently Mandie lives and works in the California Bay Area and tours the globe as a keynote speaker, photographer, and field collector during mushroom season.
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Our collaborators and volunteers make deep engagement in community science both possible and meaningful.
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Areas We've Explored
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