Dr. Jusino studies how animals shape forest ecosystems through their interactions with fungi — from cavity-excavating woodpeckers that disperse wood decay fungi to insects that farm their own fungal partners. By melding field surveys, molecular mycology, and a widely-used metabarcoding pipeline that she co-developed, Dr. Jusino uncovers how these symbioses influence forest health, carbon cycling, and species invasions. One of her current foci is the invasive golden oyster mushroom (Pleurotus citrinopileatus). Dr. Jusino is tracking its spread and ecological impact in managed forests and informing mitigation strategies for this prolific, human-transported species.
Michelle Jusino
Forest Pathology
University of Florida
