Vita

I am interested in understanding the lichen mutualism as a complex symbiotic system, and in exploring lichen diversity. Lichen individuals are microecosystems, which consist of primary fungal and photosynthetic partners, as well as a suit of additional, closely associated microorganisms. The diversity and functions of these lichen-associated organisms are poorly known. In my PhD project I employ genomic approaches to better understand the biology, and potential functions of so-called “black fungi” in the lichen symbiosis. I currently study genomic features and geographic distributions of these ubiquitous, but often invisible, enigmatic fungi.