College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Community Sustainability

Advisor: Aaron McKim & Gregory Bonito

Carley Kratz received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Michigan and her Ph.D. in Forest Science from Michigan Technological University. She was previously the Director of the River Raisin Watershed Council and has taught biology, chemistry, environmental science, and geology at the college level. She currently teaches the Natural Resources program for 11^th & 12^th graders at the Lenawee Intermediate School District’s Center for a Sustainable Future.  She also teaches Biology as an Adjunct Faculty member at Adrian College.

Carley's graduate work: 

The goal of this graduate project will be to develop curriculum to enhance student engagement with the Michigan Wild-Foraged Mushroom Certification. This will be done in an effort to increase the number of certifications earned by high school students in Agriculture Food and Natural Resources pathways.  The certification is offered through a partnership between Midwest American Mycological Information and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development; however, training materials are currently geared towards an adult audience.  Bringing more mycology into the classroom has many benefits including discussions on food safety and regulation, the role of ecology, and identification skills.  Fungi also play many different roles in the ecosystem including decomposers, mutualists, and parasites.  Looking at these components of the curriculum through the lens of mycology will prove to be an engaging way to motive students while potentially helping them earn a certification.