Ben Auxier

Ben Auxier is an Assistant Professor in the Laboratory of Genetics at Wageningen University & Research. His research focuses on fungal genetics, evolutionary consequences of social and sexual interactions in fungi, and antifungal resistance in the human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Originally from Canada, he holds a BSc and MSc from the University of British Columbia and a PhD from the Netherlands, where he worked with Dr. Duur Aanen.

Research interests include nonself recognition genes (het genes) in fungi and their role in viral evolution, as well as the genetic basis of agricultural antifungal resistance in A. fumigatus. He actively engages with the fungal research community through platforms like Bluesky, highlighting topics such as mycology, microbial ecology, and fungal genomics.

His work integrates genomics, genetics, and evolutionary biology to address questions about fungal individuality, pathogen adaptation, and microbial interactions. Prospective students interested in fungal genetics are encouraged to contact him.