My recent iNaturalist observations:
Hi! I'm Chase.
I like fungi, teaching about fungi, and learning how fungi evolve to interact with other organisms.
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Chase G. Mayers, Ph.D., Teaching Support Specialist
School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University
contact: cgm227@cornell.edu
Google Scholar | ResearchGate
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Teaching
I support the teaching, pedagogical development, and lab components of three fungus-filled courses in the Cornell School of Integrative Plant Science:
Biology and Management of Plant Diseases (PLPPM 3010/5010) with Prof. Kerik Cox
Mycology (PLPPM 4490) with Prof. Teresa Pawlowska
Magical Mushrooms, Mischievous Molds (PLSCI 2010/2013) with Prof. Kathie Hodge.
Students with questions about classes should check the relevant Canvas homepages for information, or contact me at the email address above.
Research
I research how fungi evolve over time to work with, and sometimes against, other organisms. This includes studies on fungal diversity, evolution, symbiosis, and systematics. My study systems have included:
Fungus-farming ambrosia beetles, their fungus pockets (mycangia), and coevolution with their fungal crops (ambrosia fungi).
Discovery and description of new ambrosia fungus species.
Genomics and population genetics of the pathogens that cause Rapid 'Ōhi'a Death (Ceratocystis lukuohia and Ceratocystis huliohia).
Broader studies on fungi in the family Ceratocystidaceae and other fungi that live in wood with insects.
Coevolution and host-symbiont patterns between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and other Mucoromycetes and their endohyphal bacteria (Candidatus Glomeribacter and Candidatus Moeniiplasma).
Thanks for visiting!