Mika Kirkhus

My research interests include finding the hidden fungal diversity using molecular methods (i.e. metabarcoding). My PhD project focuses on ericoid mycorrhizal fungi and their interactions with dwarf-shrubs in a changing climate. I am going to map the diversity and distribution of ericoid mycorrhizal fungi across a climatic gradient in Norway, in addition to looking into how these fungi contribute to carbon storage, drought tolerance, and nutrient uptake. The overall aim of my research is to predict how climate change will affect ericoid plant-fungal interactions and distributions in Norway.