Francois M. Lutzoni

Francois M. Lutzoni is a Professor of Biology at Duke University, affiliated with the Trinity College of Arts & Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. (1995) and M.S. (1990) in Biology, and a B.S. (1987) in Natural Sciences. His research focuses on the evolution, ecology, and genomics of symbiotic systems involving fungi and photoautotrophic organisms, particularly lichens and their microbiomes. He also studies endophytic and endolichenic fungi across diverse environments.

Key research areas include understanding symbiotic networks, environmental drivers of biodiversity, and the molecular mechanisms underlying fungal symbioses. His work spans field surveys, experimental laboratory studies, and genomic analyses. Recent grants include NSF-funded projects on Arctic symbioses, bryophyte-lichen digitization, and cyanolichen networks.

• Education: Ph.D., Duke University (1995); M.S., Ottawa University (1990); B.S., Grinnell College (1987)
• Affiliations: Director of the Lutzoni Lab; Principal Investigator on multiple NSF grants
• Lab Website: Lutzoni Lab (Duke University)

Notable awards include the Edward Tuckerman Award (2009) and the Alexopoulos Prize (2005). His recent publications explore ice-nucleating agents in lichens, Trebouxia photobiont diversity in southern Africa, and environmental drivers of endophyte biodiversity. He advises graduate students such as Carlos Pardo de la Hoz (now at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center) and Diego Garfias Gallegos.

Current teaching includes courses on symbiosis, systematic biology, and general microbiology. His professional service includes NSF grant panel roles and editorial activities.