The Good, the Bad, and the Moldy

Join Us for an Engaging Introduction to Molds with Dr. Whitney Tholen!

The North Texas Mycological Association (NTMA) is excited to announce our next educational session featuring Dr. Whitney Tholen presenting “The Good, the Bad, and the Moldy.” This fascinating talk will explore the often-overlooked world of molds, their significance in nature, and their practical uses in various industries, including food, medicine, and biotechnology.

What Are Molds?

Molds are a type of fungus that thrive in moist, nutrient-rich environments. Unlike mushrooms, which are visible fruiting bodies of fungi, molds typically grow in the form of microscopic filaments called hyphae, which spread out in search of food. Over time, these hyphae can form large, visible colonies of mold, which we often see growing on food, decaying organic matter, or other substrates. While molds can sometimes be harmful, they also play an incredibly important role in ecosystems, breaking down organic material and recycling nutrients back into the environment.

Molds are a critical part of the fungal kingdom, and, while they often get a bad reputation for their role in spoilage, they have a rich history of beneficial uses across various fields.

The History of Molds

Molds have been around for millions of years, evolving alongside other forms of fungi. Ancient civilizations were aware of molds, though they didn’t fully understand their biology. It wasn't until the 19th century that scientists began to make significant breakthroughs in studying these organisms. In fact, Louis Pasteur and other pioneering microbiologists in the 1800s discovered the role of molds and fungi in fermentation, disease prevention, and food preservation.

The modern scientific study of molds, or mycology, continues to uncover new and innovative ways molds are used in research, medicine, and industry. For instance, the discovery of Penicillium, a type of mold, led to the development of penicillin—the world’s first antibiotic—revolutionizing medicine.

About the Presenter:

Dr. Tholen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). She earned her PhD in Quantitative Biology in 2014. She loves to combine her expertise in microbiology with her passion for education. Since 2018 she teaches hands-on, inquiry-based learning in courses at UTA such as General Microbiology, Nursing Microbiology, and Medical Mycology. In her Medical Mycology course, she emphasizes the clinical relevance of fungal pathogens, providing students with practical knowledge and diagnostic skills crucial for understanding fungal diseases.

Her research interests include enhancing undergraduate biology education through active learning strategies and investigating environmental factors that influence pathogen virulence, particularly in marine bacterial and fungal pathogens. She is actively engaged in research on the mold, Aspergillus, exploring their pathogenic mechanisms and environmental adaptations. Her dedication to education, research, and mentorship continues to shape the next generation of scientists and healthcare professionals.

What You’ll Learn from Whitney’s Presentation

In this presentation, Whitney Tholen will guide you through the diverse and intriguing world of molds, shedding light on their biological processes, uses, and significance. Topics covered will include:

• Understanding Molds: What molds are, how they grow, and the key characteristics that set them apart from other fungi.

• History & Evolution: A brief history of molds and their role in natural ecosystems and human culture.

• Mold in Medicine: Explore how molds have been used to develop life-saving antibiotics and other pharmaceutical products.

• Molds in Food Production: From the creation of cheeses like Roquefort to fermented foods like soy sauce, learn about the beneficial molds that contribute to culinary arts.

• Molds in Biotechnology: How molds are being studied for innovative applications in bioengineering, waste management, and even biofuels.

• Health and Safety: While many molds are beneficial, some can cause health problems. We’ll discuss common molds that can grow in homes and how to handle them safely.

Whitney will also touch on how molds have evolved to play such a vital role in decomposing organic matter, and why they are indispensable in nature’s recycling process.

Why You Should Attend

This presentation will provide you with a solid understanding of molds, their essential functions in nature, and their wide-ranging applications. Whether you’re a mycology enthusiast, a budding scientist, or simply curious about the invisible life forms that surround us, Whitney’s talk will open your eyes to a fascinating and often misunderstood group of organisms.

Event Details

·       Date & Time: Saturday, March 8th, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

·       Location: Oak Room, 2nd floor of the Governmental Building, 6820 Lyndon B. Johnson Fwy, Dallas, TX 75230 (look for our signs).Hybrid Option: Attend via Zoom from the comfort of your home. Zoom access details will be sent after registration.

·       Pricing:

• Free for NTMA Members

• $10 for Non-Members

This class is open to everyone, whether you're a seasoned mycologist or new to the world of fungi. Whitney will offer a wealth of knowledge in an accessible and engaging format, and there will be plenty of opportunities for questions and discussion.

How to Register

You can easily RSVP for the event through our website. Once registered, you’ll receive an email with your Zoom access information (if attending remotely) and further details about the event location. Don't miss out on this opportunity to deepen your understanding of molds and their role in our world.

For any questions or more information, please reach out to us at contact@northtexasmycology.org.

NTMA and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services Partnership

We are proud to continue our partnership with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services in Dallas County. We encourage you to visit their website to explore the resources and programs available for learning and engagement in agriculture and science.Visit Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services - Dallas County

Join us for this captivating journey into the world of molds—there’s more to these fascinating fungi than meets the eye!