Northern Research Station
11 Campus Blvd., Suite 200
Newtown Square, PA 19073
(610) 557-4017
(610) 557-4132 TTY/TDD
Title: Botanist
Unit: Biological and Environmental Influences on Forest Health and Productivity
Previous Unit: Center for Forest Mycology Research
Address: Northern Research Station
One Gifford Pinchot Drive
Madison, WI 53726
Phone: (608) 231-9212
E-mail: Contact Karen Nakasone
Mycological Society of America
My research focus is the identification, classification and phylogenetics of wood-decay fungi, especially crust-like (corticioid) species. These fungi are usually small, inconspicuous, and not as well known as their larger cousins, the polypores and mushrooms.
Current research projects include:
Correct identification of decay fungi are important to establish if a species is nonnative for researchers studying the impact of invasive species in forests and managers interested in conserving biological and functional diversity of fungi to keep forests healthy. The stability of fungal names is essential because valuable information is tied to a name. Fungal names are based on type specimens, thus, it is necessary to study types to establish firm, stable names. Establishing phylogenetic relationships among decay fungi are desirable because critical physiological, biological and genetic properties can be inferred from understanding relatedness among species and genera. This information is valuable to researchers studying the roles of decay fungi in pathology, nutrient cycling, tree establishment and growth, and forest health and resiliency. Oftentimes, unusual and unexpected phylogenetic relationships result in new insights into fungal taxonomy and biology. By providing researchers with the tools for accurate and reliable species identification, the role and full impact of decay fungi in the health and productivity of forests can be studied.
Last Modified: 11/19/2008