Serena Zhao (Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Graduate Program)

"A fungus among us: mushrooms and beyond"

What does baker’s yeast have in common with the world’s largest organism? What feeds plants through their roots, while related species can survive on bare rock? Fungi!!! Fungi are more closely related to humans than they are to plants, and play a variety of different roles within ecosystems. For instance, fungi can be plant mutualists, animal pathogens, or decomposers. At Science Under the Stars this November, we will explore this amazing Kingdom — the shocking lifestyles, outlandish physiology, and the ways that fungi touch our lives every day.

Science Under the Stars is a free, monthly public outreach lecture series founded and organized by graduate students in the Department of Integrative Biology at The University of Texas at Austin. Events are held outdoors at Brackenridge Field Laboratory, 2907 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, Texas 78703. In the case of inclement weather, lectures are held indoors.

Here’s the schedule for this month’s event:

• 6:00 pm: Food and displays of local animals and plants found at Brackenridge Field Laboratory will be available.
• 6:15 pm-6:45 pm: Guided tour of the field lab (wear sturdy shoes and bring water)!
• 6:30 pm: Kid’s activities start! Meet with our children’s division for fun activities designed for all ages.
• 7:00 pm: Settle in, because the talk begins now!