Workshop – University of Michigan Biological Station

Workshop – University of Michigan Biological Station

We invite you to a workshop on collecting, isolating, and classifying zoosporic fungi at the University of Michgan Biological Station, to take place August 9-14, 2022. For additional information, see here.

Description: Chytrids are a ubiquitous group of aquatic fungi that require novel approaches for their study. This workshop will provide hands-on experience in their collection, isolation, and identification. In addition, lectures and discussions will cover the up-to-date classification of chytrids, their ecology, and the latest research on these basal fungi.

Location and housing: The University of Michigan Biological Station, Pellston, MI is an historically important site for collections leading to species descriptions by Fred K. Sparrow and his students. Participants will stay in the dormitory, and the dining hall will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Arrival and departure: The workshop begins on the morning of August 9 and ends on the evening of August 14. Therefore, participants are expected to arrive the evening of August 8 and depart August 15.

Cost: The National Science Foundation is funding this workshop. Consequently, charges are limited to $90/day for housing, dining, and bench fees.

Background knowledge and intended audiences: This workshop is aimed at professional biologists who may have no experience working with chytrids but who would like to integrate them into their research and teaching.

Hands on topics:

  • Field sampling
  • Isolation of saprobic chytrids using baiting
  • Isolation and analysis of obligately parasitic chytrids
  • Characteristics of major groups
  • Teaching with chytrids
  • Molecular methods for working with chytrids

Lecture topics:

  • Taxonomy and classification
  • Ecological importance of chytrids
  • Molecular systematics/genomics, and metagenomics
  • Electron microscopy and ultrastructure
  • Cryopreservation

Instructional Staff:

Tim James (University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA)
Joyce Longcore (University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA)
Katelyn McKindles (University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA)
Alison Harrington (University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA)
Gustavo Henrique Jerônimo (Botanical Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil)
William Davis (Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA)

To apply:

Send CV and brief cover letter/email to tyjames@umich.edu. Participation is limited to 15 attendees. Should interest level exceed this, participants will be selected to maximize the diversity of interests and backgrounds.

Please send your application and address any questions regarding the workshop to tyjames@umich.edu.