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33rd Fungal Genetics Conference

Writer: Abigail LaBella
Abigail LaBella
Mar 27
1 min read

This March, members of the LaBella lab attended the 33rd Fungal Genetics conference at the Asilomar Conference grounds in California. This conference brings together global leaders in fungal genetics to share groundbreaking work.


Members of the LaBella & Carter labs of UNC Charlotte at the 2026 Fungal Genetics Meeting
Members of the LaBella & Carter labs of UNC Charlotte at the 2026 Fungal Genetics Meeting

Dr. Abbe LaBella started the week by co-chairing a session called "AI in Fungi," where speakers discussed the ways in which machine learning and deep learning are building our understanding of fungal genetics. Research ranged from pathogens to model systems.



PhD candidate, Caroline West, presented her work conducted in collaboration with the lab of Dr. Morgan Carter at UNC Charlotte. This work explores a virus found inside a bacterium that is found inside a fungus!



The Carter and LaBella labs also presented four posters. Participants were constantly asking questions of the trainees and exploring their research.


 
 
 

170 Comments


deborahwilliams8737
2 hours ago

Thinking about exploring everyday food and cooking traditions, I find the smaller practical questions more interesting than a quick conclusion. An ingredient can carry a story about the place or family that uses it. For Atasteofitalybypompeo, I would use food and cooking ideas as a starting point for a closer discussion of the subject. I am still thinking through the practical side, because the context can change what seems useful. Which part of a recipe would you ask someone to explain beyond the written measurements?

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sandradavis856
4 hours ago

When it comes to building confidence through manageable learning goals, one clear example can stay with me longer than a long list of general points. A clear first step can make a difficult subject feel more approachable. That is why the connection between Barryhymer and practical learning skills makes me want to think through an example. I can imagine different responses depending on the situation, which makes the question more interesting. How do you decide what to practise when a topic initially seems too broad?

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elizabethrobinson31135
14 hours ago

Considering finding a comfortable rhythm in home baking, I would want to understand a few concrete details before deciding what matters most. Changing one detail at a time makes it easier to understand why a recipe behaves differently. That is why the connection between Astonparishbakery and home baking ideas makes me want to think through an example. I would rather explore one useful example carefully than pretend that the whole subject is already clear. What would you write down after a first attempt before trying the recipe again?

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melissawilliams2285
15 hours ago

I keep coming back to the everyday side of exploring visual ideas through observation, where a simple detail can lead to a wider question. A small choice of colour or viewpoint can change the feeling of an image. It is the kind of question I would keep in mind when thinking about Asmallview and creative visual expression. A simple comparison would help me picture the differences without rushing towards a fixed answer. How would you describe that change to someone who has not seen the work?

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deborahwilliams8737
1 day ago

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