Ph.D. Candidate, Syracuse University
Investigating Fungal Community Structure across Wetland Gradients
Field Travel Grant Type 1
“Mycorrhizal fungi, which form symbiotic relationships with plants to facilitate nutrient exchange, and saprotrophs, fungi that decompose organic material, have communities that are particularly impacted by soil properties such as nutrient availability and pH. Less is known about how fungal communities shift along gradients of these factors, particularly in ecosystems transitioning from upland to wetland and among distinct wetland types with such as sphagnum-dominated, low pH peatlands and mineral soil, high pH red maple swamps (Fig 2). By capturing shifts across gradients, this research seeks to identify the environmental factors most determinant of fungal community structure and diversity. Additionally, this work will assess the extent to which wetlands harbor specialized
fungal communities, potentially serving as belowground refugia for unique fungal biodiversity. This approach will provide insights into the drivers of fungal community structure, offering a framework for conservation aimed at preserving the ecological integrity of wetlands and the biodiversity they sustain.”