About Prasanth

Pronouns: He/Him

From: Kochi, Kerala, India

Current research location

Clark University

Current Advisor

David Hibbett

Current project description

My current project is focused on the “evolution of nematophagy in Pleurotacaeae”. For this project, I am combining a wide range of techniques including classical mycology, metabolomics, comparative genomics, and transcriptomics to get a holistic view of the evolution of nematophagy in Pleurotaceae (Oyster mushroom and allies).

Which awards would you like to brag about?

My most recent awards include the graduate student research award from The Mycological Association of Washington DC and Sonoma Mycological Association scholarship award.

What are your career goals/plans for after you’re done with your current position?

I would like to be a professor at a research institution and continue doing research in fungi.

What is your favorite fact/thing about fungi?

My favorite fact of fungi is that they are hyper diverse and morphologically cryptic. Additionally they interact different organisms.

What is your favorite fungus and why?

Auriculoscypha anacardiicola. It is a relative of rust fungi that is parasites of phytopathogenic insects.

Who is your mycology role model?

Dr. P Mani Mohan

What do you like to do in your free time? What are your hobbies?

I love to hike, out door sports and cooking.

What is something inspiring or useful that you learned from your experiences in mycology?

Fungi are real bad ass and they can show fascinating adaptation to thrive different ecological niches.

Any great stories from field work?

During my last mushroom foray with the lab, we had to carry our canoe over a beaver dam.

Anything else you’d like to talk about, leave here!

I am heavily involved service with in and outside of Clark university. Currently we are establishing a mycology club in Clark university. I am also a member for FOSTER (Fostering Scientific Temper and Social Responsibility) at St. Teresa’s college Ernakulum, focused on the development of scientific temper in the community.