Christopher Smyth

Christopher Smyth is a Lecturer in the Department of Biological Sciences at Binghamton University. His research focuses on fungal taxonomy, ecology, and evolution, with a recent emphasis on marine fungi and fungal pathogens of wildlife. He teaches introductory biology and microbiology courses, and developed a 3-week field course, Coastal and Marine Mycology, at the Chincoteague Bay Field Station (2019). Smyth holds a PhD from Pennsylvania State University and a BS from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania.

His research investigates the ecology and epidemiology of fungal diseases affecting sea turtles, particularly Fusarium species linked to sea turtle egg fusariosis (STEF). He also explores microbial interactions in coastal environments and fungal biodiversity. Smyth's work bridges mycology, marine biology, and wildlife health, with articles published in journals covering taxonomy, pathogen ecology, and genomic classification.

He maintains an active research profile through platforms like Google Scholar and collaborates on fungal systematics projects via initiatives like Fungal Planet description sheets. Though no awards are listed, his contributions to marine mycology and wildlife disease ecology are highlighted through peer-reviewed publications.