Research Interests

chemistry; ecology; fungi; mushrooms; signalling; soil; toxins

Cat Adams is a fungal ecologist interested in how chemistry such as toxins, light, or fragrances drive interactions between fungi and other living things. She earned her BS from the University of Washington in Biology with emphasis on Ecology and Evolution. For her Master’s at Harvard she studied how fungal seed pathogens of wild chili peppers evolved tolerance to spice. Her PhD at Cal examined the role of toxins in the invasion success of the death cap mushroom, Amanita phalloides. Her postdoctoral research examined how fragrances made by a plant root-associated fungus impact their friendly neighborhood bacteria. Cat is excited to join the Northen lab and learn more about mycorrhizal fungi!

Cat also enjoys embroidery, acrylic pour painting, and metal music.

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