Joe Ammirati is professor of biology and teaches mycology and botany at the University of Washington. His research focuses mainly on the classification and evolutionary relationships of the gilled fungi, particularly in the genus Cortinarius, but also includes mushroom biogeography and co-evolution, mushroom toxicity, and fungal diversity of arctic/alpine, boreal, and subalpine habitats. Joe is the scientific advisor to the Puget Sound Mycological Society and Pacific Northwest Key Council.