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
Two colleagues having a business meeting
Virtual Event

The Business of Alt Protein: What founders need to know about M&A for mission-driven companies

Join GFI for a Business of Alt Protein webinar featuring a presentation from Tuck Advisors on mergers and acquisitions for mission driven companies.

Https://gfi. Org/wp content/uploads/2026/04/sci26016 webinar graphics soap 2nd may header featured
Virtual Event

The Science of Alt Protein: Nature and nurture—Cell lines and media

Discover opportunities for the convergent development of both cell lines and media for cultivated meat.