P. Brandon Matheny

P. Brandon Matheny is a Professor and Curator of Fungi in the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He is affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences and leads research focused on fungal systematics, taxonomy, and evolutionary biology. His work emphasizes mushroom-forming fungi, their diversification patterns, and ecological roles such as ectomycorrhizal symbiosis.

Education:

• PhD in Mycology, University of Washington, 2003

Research Interests:

His lab investigates fungal biodiversity through fieldwork and molecular phylogenetics, with a focus on species recognition, historical biogeography, and taxonomic revisions. Key areas include the evolution of ectomycorrhizal symbiosis and its impact on fungal speciation. Fieldwork spans North America (especially the southern Appalachians), Australasia, and South America.

Publications:

Recent work highlights new species discoveries (e.g., Hydnum atlanticum), phylogenetic revisions of genera like Inocybe and Russula, and genomic studies elucidating symbiotic adaptations. Research often bridges taxonomy and ecology, emphasizing understudied fungal groups.

Advising & Grants:

No specific grants or advising details are provided in the text, though he currently recruits graduate students.

Labs & Teams:

His lab collaborates globally, focusing on field collection and molecular analysis. Partnerships include institutions in Africa, South America, and Australia, reflecting his interest in global fungal biodiversity.