Matt Smith is an Associate Professor in Fungal Biology based at the University of Florida. Dr. Smith is affiliated with the Department of Plant Pathology but also serves as the curator of the Fungal Collection for the Florida Museum of Natural History(FLAS). Matt teaches fungal biology and conducts research on fungal systematics, ecology, and evolution. He also works with a variety of Florida stakeholders, including the UF Plant Diagnostic Center, the UF Veterinary School, Florida Poison Control, Master Gardeners and local extension centers to help identify fungi in the state of Florida. He loves all kinds of fungi but truffles (fungi that fruit below ground) are his favorite!