Can you identify common mushroom species? Curious to know the role of fungi in urban ecosystems? In this foraying workshop, join social ecologist Malavika B and biologist Neeladri Chowdhury to immerse yourself into the world of fungi!
Learn about different mushrooms, ways to identify them, the habitats and microclimates in which they exist, and the different roles they play in the ecosystem. Join us to collect mushroom samples and discuss what role they play in the carbon cycle.
Facilitator 1: Malavika Bhatia
Malavika B is a public educator bringing fungi to the people, and the people to fungi. They began foraging for mushrooms nearly a decade ago, which led them to a social, cultural, and ecological exploration of the kingdom of fungi. Their work is focused on investigating the interplay of community and ecology through the lens of fungi. They host urban fungi forays, examining the city as a dynamic social–ecological system. Their public workshops intertwine mycology and queer theory with the aim of cultivating alternative paradigms of self and other. Through their work, they foster a community of mycophiles across India, creating space for scientific learning and novel interpretations of a shared ecology.
Facilitator 2: Neeladri Chowdhury
Neeladri Chowdhury is a scientist by profession and works broadly in the field of biotechnology. He focuses primarily on the development of technologies or products by using his knowledge of biology and engineering to address societal issues. He works as the head of RnD for Nuvedo Labs Pvt. Ltd, a mushroom focused company that aims to bring the benefits of medicinal mushrooms to the Indian population. He also works as a Translation Scientist at C-CAMP, India's foremost life sciences incubator where he works on projects to bring the best academic science to the market through the development of innovative products.
10:00 AM
September 23, 2023
