Paul Przybylowicz

Paul Przybylowicz is a Professor of Environmental Studies at The Evergreen State College, where he has taught for over 30 years. He specializes in mycology, focusing on wood decay fungi, mushroom cultivation, and ecological applications of fungi. His teaching emphasizes experiential learning and field-based programs, particularly in outdoor leadership and wilderness medicine.

Education: Ph.D. in Botany and Plant Pathology from Oregon State University (1985) and B.S. in Forest Entomology from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (1978).

Research interests include fungal taxonomy, bioremediation, and practical mushroom cultivation for small-scale farmers. He has collaborated internationally, such as with the USAID Farmer-to-Farmer program in Guatemala (2015). Current projects involve isolating fungi for bioremediation and mycelium applications.

Teaching Philosophy: Believes in fostering a supportive learning community to overcome fear of mistakes. Emphasizes systems thinking and pushing students into their 'zone of learning.' Offers undergraduate research opportunities focusing on fungal research design and fieldwork.