C. Benton Willis
Benton Willis is a PhD Candidate in the Smith Lab at the University of Florida. As a part of their doctoral research, Benton is studying the genus Exobasidium, which are biotrophic plant pathogens in the Ustilagomycotina. Exobasidium fungi have specialized on a few plant families in the order Ericales (Heaths and allies, e.g. blueberries, azaleas, and tea), and they cause a wide variety of plant symptoms. Some species cause brightly colored galls that resemble flowers. Benton is particularly interested in the geographic distribution, host range, and symptom evolution of Exobasidium fungi. While also pursuing their graduate degree, Benton is also the collections manager of FLAS-F, where they help oversee >50,000 fungal specimens.
-
The purpose of the Society is to promote and advance the science of mycology and to foster and encourage research and education in mycology in all its aspects. Members of the MSA meet annually to exchange information and build understanding of fungi
