About

On the Watson Foundation website: Alison Harrington

The abstract for that project, as submitted in October 2013:
"Partnering with Fungi to Improve the Human Landscape through Transformative Decomposition 
Thailand, Cambodia, South Africa, Namibia, Ecuador, Costa Rica 
In the midst of a global waste crisis, I propose to explore the potential of fungi to solve global problems. Working with the people who study and use fungus, I hope to understand the basis for cultural dispositions towards fungi and the decomposition they represent. I aim to study the paradoxical application of transformative decay towards constructive ends while promoting mutualism between humans and fungi."

The project changed drastically within the first few months of the project, aiming to better include fungi that are not dedicated decomposers (mycorrhizae, endophytic fungi, etc) and to create space for me to explore fungal systematics and taxonomy. 
The countries changed quite a bit as well, as reflected on the "Where is Alison?" page.

The objectives of the project were diverse:

• To engage in a global mycological community
• To explore/understand/use current research methods, and to contribute as an educated volunteer to research projects for which the investigators accept assistance
• To learn about local biodiversity, ecological niches, and the biology and conservation of fungi
• To see the variation in how people approach and use different fungi in different places
• To learn about mushroom growing techniques and the potential of mushroom farming to reduce poverty and malnutrition
• To explore biotechnical applications of fungi

Thanks for reading,
Alison

Email: ahharrington1@gmail.com
Skype: HarringtonAH