Smyth Mycology

I am a science educator, mycologist and marine biologist. I fundamentally believe in the importance of experiential, hands-on learning experiences in order to best prepare our students for the challenges of the present and future. While at Binghamton, I have developed and taught a number of hands-on research and field-based courses in both Mycology and Marine Science. These are highlighted in the Chincoteague Bay Field Station and Teaching at Binghamton University portions of this site. As these courses progress, and more a created, I plan to use this site to highlight the various high-impact learning experiences I provide my students in Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.

Prior experience: Prior to coming to Binghamton University, I taught at Lock Haven University from 2018-2020 as an Assistant Professor of Biology (temporary). My teaching responsibilities included pre-health microbiology, as well as introductory biology for majors and non-majors. In the summer of 2019 I developed and taught a brand new undergraduate field course – Coastal and Marine Mycology – at the Chincoteague Bay Field Station in Wallops Island, VA. This course was set to run again in the summer of 2020, but was cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic. In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I mentored multiple undergraduate research students on independent projects that resulted in presentations at regional conferences and publications in peer reviewed journals. You can find more information about my previous teaching experience here.

Research and Training: I earned my Ph.D. in 2018 from Pennsylvania State University in Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology. I am broadly trained in fungal taxonomy, ecology and evolution. I am particularly interested in fungi responsible for diseases in wildlife, as well as fungi that inhabit marine environments. My Ph.D. work focused on the taxonomy and ecology of human and animal-infecting Fusarium species. You can find more information about my research interests and experience here.