Project:

Identifying pathogenic and non-pathogenic Basidiomycetes and Ascomycetes within Central Park as bioindicators of the ecosystem

Students:

Elizabeth Diaz, Derick Wang

Institution:

New York City College of Technology, CUNY, Brooklyn

Mentors:

Olufemi Sodeinde

Abstract:

Fungi are an essential part of our ecosystem, playing a vital role in decomposition, nutrient cycling, and mutualistic symbiosis with plants, algae, and cyanobacteria. The success of fungi as organisms lies in their ability to form a wide array of biological interactions. Our research focuses on identifying various species of fungi under the phylum Basidiomycetes and Ascomycetes within the northern and southern bound Central Park. We will observe the biodiversity of pathogenic and non-pathogenic fungal species in the area as bioindicators, using DNA barcoding. This research aims to support future efforts to conserve ecosystems within metropolitan parks, as the results of this research may not only indicate the diversity of fungi found within a contained area, but also how fungal diversity ties into the broader scope of overall biodiversity of the ecosystem. Our other interest lies in contributing to the iNaturalist database for mapping and observing biodiversity across the globe.

Poster:

Team samples: