The Evergreen State College has stepped up its investment in the future of fungi. Evergreen, a known and respected leader in the field of mycology, has a new Mycology Certification that equips graduates to enter an expanding job market with a wide range of options.
Through the mycology program, students gain hands-on experience utilizing truffles for agricultural and environmental purposes. This integration of science and sustainability is preparing the next generation of scientists to expand the boundaries of mycology and ecological innovation.
Mycology Expert Dr. Turkoglu Expands Research at The Evergreen State College
Dr. Aziz Turkoglu served as the Director of the Truffle Research and Application Center at Mugla University in Turkey. His specialty has been mycological research. He brings years of acquired expertise, including time in Italy and France, truffle cultivation hubs in Europe. He was the last post doctorate student of James Trappe, North American truffle expert who hunted them across the globe. Trappe authored or co-authored 450 scientific papers, identified over 400 species, and wrote three books on the topic. His scientific contributions are considerable. “He donated his library to me,” says Turkoglu.
Turkoglu’s diligence and innovative ideas over the past years have resulted in the successful cultivation of Perigord truffles in the Northwest. They are prized, gastronomic delicacies. His innovative approach has not only advanced agricultural methods but has also elevated Evergreen as a leader in ecological restoration.
New Mycology Certification Opens Field to More Students
Botanist and faulty member Dr. Lalita Calabria worked last year to get the mycology certification program initiated. “The first year was a big success,” says Lalita. Classes were consistently full. Dr. Turkoglu was then hired to be the primary teacher for the program. The two-year curriculum is online and in the evenings, which makes it more accessible to many. In-person time is required for lab and field work. Hands-on learning includes inoculating, which is introducing mushroom spawn into media such as wood.
The 24-credit certificate includes medicinal fungi and environmental applications. Students learn to how to culture mycelia, do DNA analysis and use many lab techniques. Electives include identifying Pacific Northwest species and foraging. Evergreen even has a truffle dog on campus. Such dogs are trained to use their sense of smell to root out the underground truffles.
The Fungi Industry is Literally Growing on all Fronts
Students graduating from the program can enter the industry and find employment that matches their goals and skills. In research and development, there have been medical advancements looking at the therapeutic uses of mushrooms for treating things like anxiety, PTSD and depression.
A truffle, related to a mushroom, is the fruit of the fungus organism. The intense and earthy qualities of these dark gems inspire chefs and diners. Growing truffles commercially requires people to care for the orchards as well as harvesting and processing them. Economic experts predict that the U.S. truffle market, driven by increasing demand in the culinary world, will exceed $6 billion in the next 15–20 years. “Currently, the U.S. imports more than 13 tons of fresh and refrigerated truffles annually,” according to the USDA. Washington State is on a cusp of becoming the place for successfully growing this luxury crop.
Those tending toward ecological restoration and research will find jobs, too. By inoculating local Garry oak ecosystems with truffle spores, Turkoglu is restoring native habitats and addressing ecological imbalances caused by invasive species while also providing American farmers with new income opportunities. This pioneering effort brings one of the world’s most expensive and economically valuable foods to the Pacific Northwest, according to Evergreen. The mushrooming industry can add to eco-tourism to our area and bring awareness to the importance of farmers.
Want to Learn More about Mushrooms?
Community members who have an interest in mycology can enroll in the new certificate program at The Evergreen State College or contact certificates@evergreen.edu
Also, for a dazzling and mind-opening experience, watch Fantastic Fungi, The Mushroom Movie. You’ll get glimpses of a whole new universe that we don’t usually see or fully appreciate. You will also hear from Paul Stamets, a mycologist, an entrepreneur and an Evergreen alumnus.
