Hi, I'm Jamie!
I'm a 21-year-old student with a background in ecology, and I love all things fungi!
I'm currently studying on a Postgraduate course for Ecological Surveying Techniques, before starting a Master's degree next year with Kew Gardens focused on all things plants and fungi.
The first time I was really introduced to the natural world was as part of the RSPB Wildlife Explorers when I was really young. However, it's only really recently I've started to look into fungi further. Even though I've been lucky enough to grow up in a suburban area with a woodland only a 2 minute walk from my front door, I never used to take much notice of fungi because I wasn't really aware they were all around me. The more I started to learn, the more I was able to point out both familiar and unfamiliar fungi in everyday life.
One of the main barriers I found to understanding fungi was the lack of resources for ID at an beginner and intermediate level. In response to this, I designed MycoStrike!
I've got a background working with children in Nursery and Primary School setting, which has given me a bit of an insight into which species and fun facts are likely to be a hit with the younger audience. This means the cards have a pick of the strangest, the grossest, and the most colourful Fungi in the UK!
My goals
I've not quite decided whether I'm more of a botanist or a mycologist. Either way, my goal is to go into plant pathology, while running science communication projects like this alongside. If it's got field and lab work, I'm in!
While I'm trying not to get too ahead of myself, there's a few other interests I've had over the years that I might try to turn into games too.... I'm particularly hoping to design and illustrate another game like MycoStrike based around seaweed!
Other than that, my main interests in ecology are insects, cave animals, and parasites (an eclectic mix, I know)!
For more goings on!