The Science of Alt Protein: Producing fungi-based foods — alternative proteins and beyond
Event description
How can we harness the versatility, diversity, and mystery of filamentous fungi to produce novel and sustainable foods? Filamentous fungi are finding new applications in a diverse array of food products including alternative proteins. Join Dr. Tyler Barzee, Assistant Professor at University of Kentucky, as he explores recent advances in cultivation and processing technologies for fungi-based foods and probes the next frontiers through case studies of (1) an unlikely microbial partnership and (2) a surprising myco-opportunity.
Meet the speaker
Tyler Barzee
Assistant Professor, Bioprocess Engineering
Dr. Barzee is an Assistant Professor of Bioprocess Engineering at University of Kentucky. His team investigates and models new microbial technologies to put our renewable resources to better use. Despite research interests in nearly every type of microbe, filamentous fungi remain his favorite due to their unique properties, mysterious lifecycles, and untapped potential. In addition to leading a research lab, he is also a co-inventor of a fungal cultivation and processing technology that is currently under development by fungi-based food startup company Optimized Foods. He received his Ph.D. in Biological Systems Engineering from University of California Davis.
Upcoming events
View all events
Cell growth modeling review for cultivated meat production: Recommendations to improve techno-economic models
Join report authors to learn what current data reveal, where critical gaps remain, and the research priorities shaping more accurate and scalable techno-economic models for cultivated meat production.
California Circular Bioeconomy Summit (BioCirCA)
Join GFI’s Jeremy Eltz at BioCirCA for forward-looking conversations on transforming waste into opportunity—and unlocking the power of bio-based innovation.
COP30: United Nations Climate Change Conference
COP30 Belém brings the world together at a critical moment for global transformative climate action. Join GFI and other alternative protein experts at this historic event!
Supporting growers and rural communities: resilience through protein diversification
Event description This fall, GFI and Pulse Canada are partnering to launch The Pulse Chain: From Growers to Global Protein Markets, an interactive webinar series that brings growers and food…
Growing the Future: How New Farming Frontiers Are Transforming Protein
Join GFI’s Adam Leman for a look at how next-gen protein technologies—from precision fermentation to cultivated meat—are reshaping the future of sustainable food.
The Science of Alt Protein: Application-driven design of plant protein gels
Discover how application-driven design of plant protein gels can unlock new possibilities in texture, mouthfeel, and nutrition.
New Proteins webinar
Join GFI’s Abby Sewell for a look at how hybrid and diversified protein strategies are shaping the future of food.
Future of Food: Engaging Agriculture and Education in the Protein Transition
GFI’s Jeremy Eltz and Janie Butler are heading to Tuskegee to lead a dynamic workshop at the Professional Agricultural Workers Conference.
