🎤 Guest Speaker: Rosie Trevino
🗓️ Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2026
⏰ Time: 7 PM CST
📍 Location: Online
💗 Donation: $0+ Members, $10+ Non-Members
🎤 Guest Speaker: Rosie Trevino
🗓️ Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2026
⏰ Time: 7 PM CST
📍 Location: Online
💗 Donation: $0+ Members, $10+ Non-Members
When we think of fungi, we picture wooded forests, damp leaf litter, and shaded trails. But what about the species that thrive where salt spray meets sand—or those that live entirely submerged in aquatic environments? These understudied organisms are the focus of Austin-based engineer and mycologist Rosie Trevino's captivating presentation.
Rosie's fascination with fungi in extreme environments has been a driving force in her mycology journey, and in the summer of 2024, she took that curiosity to the shores of Virginia. During a rigorous three-week course at the Chincoteague Bay Field Station (CBFS), she immersed herself in the study of coastal and marine fungi across a breathtaking range of ecosystems—from windswept maritime forests to salt marshes, tidal creeks, and open bay waters.
In this talk, Rosie takes you alongside her as she documents the remarkable adaptations of salt-tolerant species, uncovers the hidden networks of aquatic fungi, and explores the fascinating world of "fungal farmers"—organisms that engage in complex symbiotic relationships in these challenging habitats. Her presentation is richly illustrated with her own nature photography, capturing both the alien beauty of these fungi and the dynamic coastal landscapes they call home.
More than a field report, this talk is an invitation to expand our definition of what fungi are and where they live. Rosie weaves together her engineering mindset, scientific rigor, and artistic eye to make a compelling case for why these overlooked extremophiles deserve our attention—for their ecological significance, their potential in biotechnology, and their sheer resilience in the face of shifting tides and changing climates.
Whether you're a seasoned mycophile, an aspiring marine biologist, or simply someone who loves a good scientific adventure, Rosie's presentation will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the fungi thriving just beyond the shore.
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About the Guest Speaker
Rosie Trevino is an engineer and mycologist based in Austin, Texas, where she bridges the gap between high-tech systems and the biological intelligence of fungi. With a foundation in engineering, she applies a systems-thinking approach to the study of mycology, viewing fungal networks not just as organisms, but as natural models for sustainable infrastructure and resilient data systems.
In Austin’s vibrant ecosystem of innovators, Rosie is recognized for translating complex biological processes into tangible engineering solutions. Her work often explores the intersection of mycoremediation and material science, investigating how fungi can be used to develop biodegradable alternatives to plastics or how their natural filtration properties can address environmental challenges.
Since delving into the world of mycology, Rosie has developed a particular fascination with fungi that thrive in extreme environments—specifically marine and coastal ecosystems. From salt-tolerant species clinging to driftwood to symbiotic fungi living in intertidal zones, she is captivated by how these organisms adapt to osmotic stress, fluctuating tides, and nutrient-scarce conditions. This curiosity frequently draws her to the Texas Gulf Coast and beyond, where she documents these resilient species through nature photography. Her lens captures not only the striking textures and colors of coastal fungi but also the intricate relationships they share with their surroundings—turning each photograph into a scientific story about survival and adaptation.
Whether she is in the lab running experiments, wading through coastal marshes with her camera, or foraging in the Texas Hill Country, Rosie approaches mycology with the precision of an engineer and the curiosity of a naturalist. She is a passionate advocate for interdisciplinary science and regularly speaks at local meetups and maker spaces about the future of biotechnology. Her mission is to demystify the fungal kingdom, proving that the smallest organisms—even those in the harshest corners of the planet—can offer the biggest solutions for a sustainable future.