August 2, 2017
A local expert on fungi, Dr Sandra Tuszynska, will be presenting a talk on her favourite “super heroes” of the fungus world in Kingaroy on Sunday.
Dr Tuszynska, who lives in the South Burnett, is a biologist who specialises in mycology (the study of fungi) and has published several research papers on the subject.
Her goal is to preserve and encourage biodiversity from the ground up, starting with ecosystem restoration using fungi.
Her friend Diana Marshall, from Kingaroy, who is helping organise the event, said Dr Tuszynska was keen to help other people also develop an interest in fungi.
The pair say some fungi provide food, immunity and communication networks across forests, while others feast on pollutants such as pesticides, petrochemicals and even plastic.
Dr Tuszynska earned her PhD at the University of NSW where she studied Paxillus involutus, a potentially toxic mushroom which has been accidentally introduced into Australia but which also appears to absorb some heavy metals.
She has also presented talks in schools and at the Woodford Folk Festival, and was a BIEDO “Garden Angel” for 12 months, working with local children to set up gardens.
Dr Tuszynska’s talk will be held at the Kingaroy Town Common Hall, in Oliver Bond Street, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm on Sunday.
Admission is free, and children are welcome as well as adults.
