Description: Chytrids are a ubiquitous group of aquatic fungi that require novel approaches for their study. This workshop will provide hands-on experience in their collection, isolation, and identification. In addition, lectures and discussions will cover the up-to-date classification of chytrids, their ecology, and the latest research on these basal fungi.
Location and housing: The University of Michigan Biological Station, Pellston, MI is an historically important site for collections leading to species descriptions by Fred K Sparrow and his students. Participants will stay in the dormitory or rustic cabins, and the dining hall will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Arrival and departure: The workshop begins on the morning of August 9 and ends on the evening of August 14. Therefore participants are expected to arrive Aug. 8 in pm and depart Aug. 15.
Cost: The National Science Foundation is funding this workshop. Consequently, charges are limited to $70/day for housing and dining. Participants are expected to arrange their own transportation to Pellston.
Background knowledge and intended audiences: This workshop is aimed at professional biologists who may have no experience working with chytrids but who would like to integrate them into their research and teaching.
Hands on topics:
Field sampling
Isolation of saprobic chytrids using baiting
Isolation and analysis of obligately parasitic chytrids
Characteristics of major groups
Teaching with chytrids
Lecture topics:
Taxonomy and classification
Ecological importance of chytrids
Molecular systematics/genomics, and metagenomics
Electron microscopy and ultrastructure
Cryopreservation
Instructional Staff:
Tim James (University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA)
Joyce Longcore (University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA)
Gustavo Henrique Jerônimo (Botanical Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil)
Katelyn McKindles (University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA)
To apply:
Send an email to tyjames@umich.edu explaining your interest in attending the workshop along with a curriculum vitae. Applications will be accepted until the course is filled. Participation is limited to 15 attendees. Should interest level exceed this, participants will be selected to maximize the diversity of interests and backgrounds.
Please address any questions regarding the workshop to tyjames@umich.edu
