Bryce Waller

Bryce Waller is an MGI doctoral student working in the Bonito Lab. Here are his answers to the Micro Biography questions:

How and when did you become interested in the field(s) of microbiology, genetics, and/or immunology?

I became interested in microbiology, specifically mycology, during the COVID epidemic. I had just recently graduated from high school and jobs were limited, so I worked night shifts in an automotive factory. During that time, I listened to a lot of science and biology podcasts. One featured the late Tom Volk who introduced me to fungal biology and all the strange and fascinating things fungi can do.

Were there any particular people or events who were influential in your journey?

The most influential people on my journey to be a mycologist have to be my lab mates. They have all shaped me in one way or another to become a better person and mycologist and have provided comradery and support not only as peers but as friends.

How did you come to be a part of this department?

I first joined this department as an undergraduate student wanting to be more familiar with microbiological laboratory principles and molecular approaches to science.

What is your main role / research area right now and why is it important?

My research focuses on developing sustainable biomaterials by leveraging the unique structural and metabolic properties of fungi. Through this work, I aim to reduce the environmental impact of industrial manufacturing by designing materials that are renewable, biodegradable, and have a low carbon footprint. More broadly, my goal is to bridge microbiology and materials science to create scalable, eco-friendly alternatives to conventional products.

How do you see your role / research evolving?

I see my research evolving to work on the scalability and application of the biomaterial products I have created.

What types of activities are you involved in outside of work / research?

Outside of the lab I love to make music, rock climb, and go hiking.

What is next for you?

Right now, I am planning to do some research abroad at the Max Planck Institute in Potsdam, Germany, and hopefully when I get back in the spring I can complete my preliminary exam.

What do you see as your current career trajectory?

I really enjoy teaching and mentorship and would like to stay in academia so that I can teach and mentor more students throughout my career. I hope to one day to be a tenure track professor.