Funga
Caylon Yates is a highly skilled microbiome scientist and bioinformatician at Funga since August 2022, with extensive research experience as a PhD candidate in Ecology at Penn State University since August 2018. Previous roles include senior research technician at Boston University, where responsibilities involved sample preparation and biochemical analysis, and teacher at Mega Education. Early experience includes laboratory assistant positions at Boston University and the Chemistry Department, focused on supporting biochemistry labs, developing protocols, and equipment maintenance. Caylon Yates holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Boston University, completed in 2015.
Funga
Funga uses the forest fungal microbiome to improve forestry outcomes and address the climate crisis while enhancing beneficial microbial biodiversity. They combine modern DNA sequencing and machine learning technology with breakthrough research on the forest microbiome to put the right native, biodiverse communities of mycorrhizal fungi in the right place. This leads to more quality wood created more quickly, more carbon sequestered, and more resilient forest ecologies.