A top-down shot of a single, round mushroom with a mottled, brownish-orange and bluish-green cap, lying on a dense bed of vibrant green, star-shaped moss. A bright green leaf and stem are also visible, lying across the moss to the left of the mushroom. The image captures the texture and color of the forest floor from a bird's-eye view.

Scholarship Committee

The Minnesota Mycological Society is proud to support learning, research, and community engagement in the fungal sciences through our annual scholarship programs. By investing in promising students and passionate members, we aim to cultivate a deeper understanding of fungi while strengthening the broader mycological community. Whether you’re advancing scientific knowledge in a university lab or growing your connection to mushrooms in the field, MMS is here to help you thrive. Our Scholarship Committee oversees two annual scholarships: one for graduate students studying mycology and another for MMS members who wish to attend the North American Mycological Association (NAMA) Annual Foray for the first time.

Two vineyard workers smiling and posing for a selfie, wearing hearing protection and backpacks for spraying. Rows of grapevines and an open field stretch out behind them under a bright sky.

James Swanson and Doris Johannes Memorial Graduate Student Scholarship

Each year, MMS awards one or more scholarships to graduate students currently enrolled at any campus of the University of Minnesota or the University of Wisconsin whose studies emphasize mycology. Scholarships are funded through the James Swanson and Doris Johannes Memorial endowment and are designed to encourage and support academic research in fungi.

Past Scholarship Recipients

  • 2025 Courntey Meeks, José Solórzano, Shannon Meehan, Gregory Harris
  • 2024 Colin Peters, Nickolas Rajtar, Ryan Franke, Kathleen Thompson
  • 2023 Talia Michaud, Aishwarya Veerabahu, Dyonishia Nieves, Aiym Bakytbaikyzy
  • 2022 Jessica Carlson, Charles Ayers, Andrew Mann
  • 2021 Eduardo Perez-Pazos, Hunter Simpson, Sofia Simeto Ferrari, Talia Michaud
  • 2020 Nickolas Rajtar, Lang Carl DeLancey, Eduardo Perez-Pazos
  • 2019 Maeve Ryan, Nouf Aldossari
  • 2018 Mara DeMers, Katarina Sweeney, Craig R. See
  • 2017 Gerald Presley, Feng Jin Liew, Garrett Beier, Eric Otto
  • 2016 No applicants
  • 2015 Chris Flynn, Jason Oliver

Check out articles written by past scholarship winners

Marek Turowski Memorial Scholarship (NAMA Foray Scholarship)

In 2017, MMS and NAMA lost one of their most passionate members — Marek Turowski. Marek loved sharing his extensive knowledge of fungi and the joy of mushroom camaraderie. In his honor, MMS offers an annual scholarship to enable one member to attend the NAMA Annual Foray — an unforgettable gathering of educators, scientists, and mushroom enthusiasts from around the world.

Scholarship includes:

  • One-year membership to the North American Mycological Association (NAMA)
  • Priority registration for the NAMA Annual Foray
  • Paid registration (lectures, field trips, double-occupancy lodging, and meals)

Note: Travel to and from the foray location is not included.

Eligibility & Application Requirements:

  • Include full name, mailing address, and email address on your essay.
  • Applicant must be a current MMS member for more than one year.
  • Submit an 800 to 1000 word essay describing:
    • Your involvement in MMS (What activities do you enjoy most?)
    • Your passion for mushrooms and mycology
    • How attending the NAMA foray would benefit your learning, and how you would bring that experience back to the MMS

Essays will be evaluated on:

  • Involvement in MMS activities
  • Volunteer experience (given special consideration, but not required)
  • How attendance at the foray will benefit both the applicant and the MMS community
Marek Turowski, the namesake of our scholarship, with a basket of mushrooms

Past Marek Turowski NAMA Scholarship Recipients & Foray Location

  • 2025 Courtney Keiser – Potash Hill, Vermont
  • 2024 Ross Haugberg – Randle, Washington
  • 2023 Grace Sommers – Hendersonville, North Carolina
  • 2022 Ayah Mohammed and Michael Spaulding – Potosi, Missouri
  • 2021 Viktor Boris and Rose Maney – Granby, Colorado
  • 2020 Heather Erickson (foray canceled due to COVID; attendance deferred to 2022)
  • 2019 Nickolas Rajtar – Paul Smiths, New York
  • 2018 Ryan Franke – Salem, Oregon

Inspired to grow with us?


Reach out to our Scholarship Chair to apply or learn more

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