Christin Swearingen
Mycologist
I've taught 87 classes on mycology since 2016. My master's thesis was Mycoremediation of Diesel using the white-rot fungus Pleurotus ostreatus. Started as a self-taught mycophile, took one class in Mycology at Oberlin College from Dr. Lawerence Miller, then learned more from Dr. Gary Laursen at University of Alaska Fairbanks. After TAing for Dr. Laursen, I began doing independent research, and volunteering for national mycology associations.
Hello! This is my story.
I am a mycologist– someone who studies the kingdom Fungi! I learned most of what I know about mushroom identification from Dr. Gary Laursen as his teaching assistant on mycology field courses throughout Alaska. I am also a member of NAMA (North American Mycological Association) and lead a National fungi conservation project with the Fungal Diversity Survey.
My interest in mycology is infused with my passion for conservation, which have married perfectly in the Fungal Diversity Survey. Ask me about the West Coast Rare Fungi Challenge!