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

Headshot of tyler barzee

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
An illustration of the globe with two hands reaching towards one another.  third party event featured image.
McNamara Alumni Center

Bridge2Food North America

Join GFI at Bridge2Food North America, where food industry leaders will gather to explore the latest developments in ingredient innovation and alternative proteins.

An illustration of the globe with two hands reaching towards one another.  third party event featured image.
FAO Headquarters

World Food Forum 2026: Protein diversification for the Global South

How can protein diversification strengthen food systems across the Global South? At the World Food Forum, GFI and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University will…