March 2025 General Meeting - Brian Perry “Working with Microscope to Observe and ID Fungi"

The evening will start at 6:30 pm for those who would like to socialize, snack on Bob Wynn's fantastic spread and chat with fellow mycophiles. Bring in any mushrooms you would like to share or to have identified before the meeting. Business and announcements will start at 7:00 pm. After the business part of the meeting, Brian Perry will give the evening's presentation.

Working with Microscope to Observe and ID Fungi
Working with a microscope to observe and identify fungi is both an art and a science, requiring patience, precision, and a keen eye for detail. By preparing fresh or dried specimens, mounting them on slides with appropriate stains or reagents, and carefully adjusting magnification and lighting, one can reveal the intricate structures that define fungal species—such as spores, hyphae, cystidia, and basidia. Understanding these microscopic features is crucial for accurate identification, often differentiating species that appear nearly identical to the naked eye. With experience, the process becomes a rewarding exploration, unveiling the hidden beauty and complexity of the fungal world.

Dr. Brian A. Perry is a Professor of Biology at California State University East Bay, and Director of the HAY Fungarium. He received his Master's Degree from San Francisco State University under the guidance of Dr. Dennis E. Desjardin, and his Ph.D. from Harvard University where he studied with Dr. Donald H. Pfister. Brian has been studying fungi since 1995, and has published over 45 papers in scientific journals. In addition to studying the evolution of fungal bioluminescence, he also conducts research on mushrooms and other fungi of Vanuatu, the assembly and biogeography of island fungal communities, endophytic fungi, and the systematics of Mycena and allied genera. Brian teaches several mycology courses at Cal State East Bay and the Sierra Nevada Field Campus.