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Myco-Ed: Mycological curriculum for education and discovery
Sara Branco1, Peter G Avis2, Kerrie Barry3
1Department of Integrative Biology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado, United States of America.
Plos Pathogens
|July 18, 2025
Summary
Myco-Ed trains students in fungal genomics, generating valuable reference genomes and fostering a future mycological workforce. This program addresses the understudied nature of fungi, enhancing both scientific resources and educational opportunities.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Genomics
- Bioinformatics
- Science Education
Background:
- Fungi are hyperdiverse yet understudied, with most clades lacking reference genomes.
- This knowledge gap hinders understanding of fungal ecosystem roles and biotechnological applications.
- Limited training opportunities impede the development of a skilled mycological workforce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish an educational program, Myco-Ed, for training students in fungal biology and genomics.
- To generate high-quality fungal reference genomes and improve available fungal resources.
- To empower students for careers in fungal research and biotechnology.
Main Methods:
- Piloting the Myco-Ed program across 12 institutions and 15 classrooms.
- Integrating genome sequencing and analysis into the curriculum.
- Facilitating student-led fungal observations and data collection.
Main Results:
- Hundreds of fungal observations were recorded by students.
- Numerous new, high-quality fungal reference genomes were generated.
- The program successfully engaged students in authentic scientific research.
Conclusions:
- Myco-Ed effectively bridges the gap in fungal genomics resources and mycological training.
- The program cultivates essential skills for a future scientific workforce in mycology.
- This initiative significantly contributes to the advancement of fungal biology and its applications.
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